Many factors led to so few problems with protesters

Hundreds of protesters showed up in Tampa to be heard, and any who came to stir up trouble or provoke police found themselves outnumbered.

Tampa Police Chief Jane Castor credits a calm and peaceful RNC to dozens of law enforcement agencies that helped out during the convention.

"The training, the patience, the approach when dealing with protesters made all the difference. This was a safe event that reflected very well in the Tampa Bay area.  I couldn't be any prouder of the law enforcement throughout this state," Chief Castor said.

Another police tactic that worked was undercover detectives who were embedded with anarchist groups. Detectives quickly learned who they were targeting and when things were going down.

During the convention, it helped officers outrun troublemakers time after time.

Another big help for police was a storm named Issac. FBI Agent Steven Ibison says they had intelligence that buses full of protesters were heading to Tampa, but never made it.

"The threat of the hurricane stopped a lot of those groups from coming," Ibison said.

But some groups were already gearing up for trouble: Small stacks of bricks, aluminum pipes, metal poles and concrete blocks were found throughout downtown, items that could be used as weapons.

Chief Castor say they watched hours and hours of video from the RNC in Minneapolis four years ago and learned lessons about what worked, and what didn't.