Washington, D.C.— Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, States United Democracy Center (SUDC), the National Policing Institute (NPI), and 21st Century Policing Solutions (21CP) have released a comprehensive public safety resource based on peer-to-peer learning from law enforcement leaders. The report “Public Safety and Elections: A Guide for Law Enforcement,” offers valuable, tested insights for agencies and officials preparing for a safe and secure election season.

The report is the result of 60 law enforcement leaders from local, state, and federal agencies across the country convening to discuss the challenges of protecting public safety during elections. During the convenings, hosted by NPI, 21CP, and SUDC, law enforcement leaders shared lessons from previous election cycles and other major public safety events, current strategies, and further challenges that may lie ahead.

“For democracy to function, voting must be safe and peaceful, and election officials must be able to perform their duties without fear or harassment,” shared Katie Reisner, Senior Counsel at States United Democracy Center. “Protecting public safety during elections is not political work; every person who is lawfully eligible to vote must be able to do so safely, regardless of who they vote for.”

The resource collects insights and recommendations from these peer-to-peer discussions. It aims to provide law enforcement leaders with strategies to adapt their existing expertise to the election context, recognize the diversity of local laws and community expectations, and effectively balance public safety with citizens’ constitutional rights.

“Law enforcement leaders are recognizing the critical role they play in maintaining order and safety before, during, and after election season,” stated Jim Burch, NPI President. “But today’s public safety challenges are evolving and becoming more complex. These conversations are essential to preparedness and have helped to establish a body of knowledge and a network among leaders who aim to provide exceptional public safety while community members head to the polls.”

“Law enforcement agencies already possess many of the necessary policies and practices to meet the demands of the current election environment,” said Charles “Chuck” Ramsey, Founding Partner of 21st Century Policing Solutions. “By tapping into the collective knowledge and experiences of their peers, leaders can adapt existing resources and intelligence, ensuring their jurisdictions are well-prepared to protect the integrity of our elections.”