The U.S. presidential election process has become longer and more contentious, with major implications for U.S. police and sheriffs’ departments. The United States is not alone in this challenge. Extremism and political violence are prevalent around the globe, and all police professionals must recognize it and prepare for it. While this piece will focus on the upcoming 2024 U.S. presidential election, the principles and recommendations outlined will apply in most jurisdictions experiencing similar events.

As a young beat cop in Boston, Massachusetts, the author looked forward to Election Day. The city required police presence at each polling place, and Boston’s police officers took pride in working with dedicated election officials to provide a safe and secure environment for all to vote. It was an upbeat experience and an opportunity to engage with community members representing a variety of political perspectives. Back then, elections in the United States usually ended quietly when polls closed on the West Coast, with news organizations quickly calling winners, and losers conceding.

This sense of peace and order on Election Day persists in most places, but all police departments need to prepare for the possibility of violent protests and criminal activity. The unfortunate reality is that extremists may attempt to disrupt local voting with the goal of sabotaging or casting doubt on the process. No question, there are homegrown and foreign actors who, with a variety of motives, have the goal of undermining more than 200 years of U.S. democracy.