NYPD to increase police presence in 8 days before election

The New York Police Department (NYPD) plans to increase police presence in the city in the eight days ahead of the 2020 election, officials announced on Tuesday.

Terence Monahan, NYPD’s chief of department, said during a press conference that police have seen “no known threats of disruption” of the Nov. 3 election between President Trump and Democratic nominee Joe Biden, but the department is prepared to address any potential violence. 

“It is no secret that this election is more contentious than in years past,” he said. “For that reason, our plan also includes the ability to respond to any type of incident that may occur.

“Beginning on Oct. 26 we will have hundreds of additional cops in uniform citywide who will be at the ready should they be needed,” Monahan added. 

Officers will be present at each of the 1,201 polling stations across New York City on Election Day, similarly to previous elections. They also will be stationed at the 88 early voting locations starting on Saturday. 

The hundreds of additional cops will be ready to respond to any incidents throughout the city. 

“If anyone tries to interfere with people’s right to vote, we will take action,” he said.

John Miller, NYPD’s deputy commissioner of intelligence & counterterrosim, said the department is prepared to respond to reports of voter intimidation or fraud. 

Monahan said NYPD is preparing for “a very heavy turnout” on Election Day.

When asked if officers will be unbiased after New York’s Police Benevolent Association previously endorsed Trump, Monahan said, “Listen, when we put on this uniform, we are apolitical.”

“There will be no instances of police officers using their political opinions,” he added.