Some Miami-Dade County police officers worked late into Wednesday night--- preparing for next week's Free Trade Area of the America's conference.
The officers fine-tuned their riot control skills. They practiced several scenarios from dealing with peaceful demonstrations to how to handle protesters lying in the street to form human chains.
The officers also rehearsed protecting themselves with full riot gear including full body armor and shields.
MDPD Director Carlos Alvarez said even though he "wishes the week was over," the force is ready. "We have trained as hard as we could possibly train. We've been training since May. We've got the resources, we've got the people, we've got the equipment. We're as ready as we're going to be."
MDPD estimates anywhere between $4 million to $8 million in overtime costs by the time the FTAA conference ends.
The Miami Police Department estimates that it's already spent $131,000 in overtime for training, as well as for seminars for community and business leaders. The department expects to have spent another $520,000 for new equipment and supplies.
By the time the talks end, the city will reportedly have spent at least $2 million.
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