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PROTECT: Polls

 We understand there is some anxiety with going to the polls when campaigns have been contentious.  Sometimes there is talk about voter suppression or terrorism related to voting.

Our Mission

On election day, we apply our Intelligence Led Policing philosophy and plan operations with the following mission in mind:
In partnership with local election officials, to create an environment where individuals are safe and feel safe exercising their constitutional rights to vote, free speech, and other individual liberties.

Suggestions For You


  • Exercise your right to vote.  Our community is stronger when it is engaged and involved in the electoral process with its associated debates.
  • If you See Something, Say Something.  This link will help you understand what is suspicious and when you should call 911 so we can investigate.  You can also call 937-440-9911 in Piqua to get us to respond.
  • Don't be intimidated by anyone trying to keep you from voting, and don't become the "champion" for your cause at the polls to keep "the other guy" from being a bully.  (That probably makes you the bully.)  There are many safeguards in place and rules around the polls.  Volunteers are used to make sure things go smoothly, and you might be eligible to be one of those volunteers!  It doesn't start on election day, though.  You need to contact the Board of Elections and get properly trained in order to get the assignment.
  • Follow all rules at the polls, including the zone around the location where no electioneering is allowed.
  • Don't park illegally or wander into unauthorized areas.  This presents security concerns.
  • Don't joke about something you know you would never do, but could scare others in this public place.  Respect other voters and understand they might be scared because of something they heard on the news or read on social media.

Our Plan

Listening

We will be monitoring a number of reliable sources, as well as receiving concerns from the public.  If we identify a threat our managers will assess it according to its specificity and credibility.  There is no one response for every possible situation.

Neutrality

We will focus on remaining neutral without regard to any one officer's own interests.  Trust us, we don't all have the same opinion here in our workplace, either! We won't be towing a car because it has a particular candidate's bumper sticker, we will be making those decisions based on very different criteria.

Visibility

Perceptions of safety increase when police are visible.  We want you to feel safe.

Contact with Election Staff/Volunteers

We will establish day-of relationships with those that have volunteered to work so hard for the rest of us to exercise our rights to vote.

Contact with Other Authorized Building Users

We will contact other authorized users of shared-use buildings used as polling locations to help answer questions and make them feel comfortable to contact us with questions or concerns.

Site Assessments

We will identify vulnerabilities at individual sites and do what we can to help mitigate them.  We will re-evaluate throughout the day.

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