Federal patrols set for Loop

'Operation Red Zone' increases security throughout South Loop's federal complex

The streets around the city's downtown federal buildings will see a noticeable increase in security — including officers in battle dress — as early as next week as the city prepares for the May 20-21 NATO summit.

The Federal Protective Service, which secures federal buildings, this week informed tenants of the city's federal buildings that they would have personnel patrolling the streets as early as next week.

The officers were expected to be in battle dress and carrying non-lethal weapons, according to several sources who were not authorized to speak publicly.

In a memo titled "Operation Red Zone," the protective service said the increased security will be extended throughout the South Loop area often referred to as the federal complex. It includes the Kluczynski Federal Building, the U.S. Dirksen Courthouse and the Metropolitan Correctional Center. Several buildings just east on State Street are also in the so-called red zone.

The memo notes there have been no specific or credible threats at federal facilities "related to terrorism by international terrorist organizations" but that the area around the complex will be "directly and indirectly" affected by protests in the days before and after the summit.

The memo noted that there were two planned anti-war protests — one on May 15 and one May 19 — on the federal plaza in which upward of 1,000 participants were expected.

The memo warns that intersections and building entrances could be blocked during demonstrations. In the event of "demonstrated aggression," some areas could be temporarily shut down, according to the memo.

A protective service spokesman did not return phone calls Thursday.

The Chicago Police Department released a statement after news of the "red zone" was first reported in the Chicago Sun-Times on Thursday.

"The security perimeter and overall event plan are under the auspices of the United States Secret Service, with support from a variety of federal, state and local partners, including the Chicago Police Department," the statement said. "Federal Protective Services does not have a direct security role during the NATO summit. Federal Protective Services is in charge of securing their buildings, some of which are on or nearby the anticipated routes of permitted events such as parades and protests that will take place during the summit."