Policing will face a critical test this Election Day, one that comes near the end of an especially challenging year for the profession.
Officers will be expected to balance several priorities, each of which will affect the way democracy plays out on Election Day. They will be relied upon to keep polling locations safe from disruptions, reassure people that a police presence at the polls isn’t a reason to feel intimidated, and communicate to the public the department’s ongoing commitment to perform their duties impartially. Each alone would be a formidable challenge, and police agencies will be expected to address all of them at once.
In order to help America’s 18,000 police agencies meet this challenge, NPF has created this resource kit to help police leaders think through relevant issues, learn the pertinent laws, draw on best practices for officers and supervisors, and communicate their plans and intentions to the relevant audiences, from their officers to community stakeholders.
Policing in a Time of Elections offers a variety of resources, guidance, and relevant information to ensure police leaders feel prepared leading up to and on Election Day.
Visit https://www.policefoundation.org/elections to learn more. A sample of one of the many resources is available below.
Firearms and Open Carry at and Near Polling Locations by epraetorian on Scribd