Obama security needs strain resources

CHICAGO, Nov. 15 (UPI) -- Security needs at U.S. President-elect Barack Obama's transition headquarters are putting a strain on the Chicago Police Department, officers say.

Chicago Fraternal Order of Police President Mark Donahue says the round-the-clock security detail in and around Obama's headquarters at a downtown Chicago federal building and at his home on the city's South Side are taxing already strained manpower resources, the Chicago Sun-Times reported Saturday.

"The lack of manpower, especially in district law enforcement, is a constant concern," Donahue said. "(This detail) stretches the troops even further."

"It's a temporary and necessary measure," Chicago police spokeswoman Monique Bond told the newspaper.

The Obama security needs come at a time when Chicago Mayor Richard Daley has proposed laying off almost 1,000 city workers and raising taxes and fees to close a $469 million budget shortfall. The Sun-Times said the city will have to pay for the Obama-related costs upfront, hoping to be reimbursed by the state's congressional delegation.