The blue-ribbon panel conducting a review of police planning and tactics during the Republican National Convention will meet Thursday to gather information.

People are invited to share their stories and concerns, support or anger, as well as observations about the massive police presence that filled the Capital City Sept. 1-4 that was used to prevent what police say were plans by anarchists to disrupt the convention.

While thousands peacefully protested the war and the Republican administration, police arrested hundreds of other protesters, along with some journalists and bystanders who were close to the action.

The panel — the RNC Public Safety Review Commission — will meet from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Hallie Q. Brown Community Center, 270 N. Kent St., St. Paul.

It's led by former U.S. Attorney Thomas Heffelfinger and former Assistant U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger. Other members are Barry Feld, Robert Hernz, Mary Ann Vukelich, George Latimer, and Linda White.

The public is invited to give two- to three-minute statements about their experiences with police during the convention. Commissioners of the RNC Public Safety Review also will solicit suggestions for future events and may ask those attending about their experiences.

Those who cannot attend may submit written comments to Lucie Passus at lucie.passus@stpaul.gov by Nov. 14.