Law Enforcement Strategies to Prepare for a Safe Election Season

Our democracy relies on the security and safety of our elections. During any election season, law enforcement agencies face a critical mission: to maintain public safety in our communities, while also ensuring that the environment in polling places and election facilities remains welcoming to all voters. A spike in election-related threats, intimidation, and harassment across the country has made this more challenging in the past few years.

As they navigate this heightened threat environment, law enforcement and election officials across the country have had to quickly adapt to ensure that elections feel, and remain, safe.

To help law enforcement agencies plan for a safe election season this year, States United teamed up with the COPS Office (Community Oriented Policing Services) at the U.S. Department of Justice to produce an informational video. The episode, titled “Preparing for a Safe Election Season” is part of a series called What’s New in Blue, in which law enforcement leaders reflect on lessons learned. This episode features Chief Chris Davis of the Green Bay (Wisconsin) Police Department and Sheriff (Ret.) Paul Penzone of Maricopa County, Arizona. They share field-tested approaches to keep elections and voters safe—particularly in the wake of threats to voters, election officials, and polling places in their jurisdictions. The video covers guidance on topics including:

• Advance planning for elections;
• How to approach staff training in applicable election laws; and
• Best practices for partnering with election officials.

As the country approaches what may be another challenging election season, our hope is that this episode of What’s New in Blue helps law enforcement leaders and communities across the country join Chief Davis and Sheriff Penzone in developing collaborative, thoughtful, and effective public safety strategies.

To view all episodes of What’s New in Blue, visit What’s New in Blue | COPS OFFICE (usdoj.gov)