Security Firm Hired To Vet 16K DNC Volunteers
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - A security firm has been picked to check out the thousands of volunteers who will be saying "hello" to all of the visitors during the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia in late July.
Verified Volunteers, which handled the Pope's recent visit, was selected through a competitive bidding process.
The Philadelphia 2016 Host Committee for the DNC says they've recruited more than 16,000 prospective volunteers, and background checks are essential to ensure they are reliable and trustworthy folks.
"This is just standard operating procedure," DNC Volunteer Director Hannah Tran tells KYW Newsradio. "With any large scale civic event, the safer that folks feel, the more enjoyable of an experience they'll have."
Those volunteers will handle loads of logistical issues visitors will encounter, from giving directions, loading and unloading buses, to driving and administrative support leading up to and during the Convention.
Tran says they were presented with a wide range of packages, but wanted one that was inclusive:
"We wanted to make sure the background check met the needs of safety, but also opened up a large swath of volunteers to these opportunities."
Most of the activity will be at the Wells Fargo Center, but attendees will also be at the Pennsylvania Convention Center and around town.
