SAN DIEGO (KGTV) - The San Diego Police Department is preparing for the possibility of big demonstrations on and around Election Day.
"We don't have any credible information to say that there's going to be civil unrest or large protests groups out on Election Day or soon thereafter on Election Day. However, we have been in contact with other cities throughout the United States. We've been in contact with our federal partners throughout the United States. We're preparing for possible unrest to occur on Election Day and afterward," said SDPD Lt. Shawn Takeuchi.
SDPD will not reveal exact staffing levels but said that officers will be ready to handle the calls.
Lt. Takeuchi added that SDPD has nine stations throughout the city and it’s up to each station's captain to determine appropriate staffing levels for the election. He said that officers are mindful of concerns surrounding the ballots and the pandemic.
“As humans, when you don't know your future, I think it brings out a little bit of anxiety and so I think that we are aware of that and the emotions,” Takeuchi added.
Sean Eldridge, with Protect the Results, told ABC10 News his group is focused in part on preparing several upcoming rallies in San Diego and beyond.
“Part of our work at Protect the Results is to encourage every American to be patient and realize that it could take days if not longer before we know the full count of this election,” said Eldridge. "We have nearly 400 pre-planned events across the country which could happen as early as the afternoon of Wednesday, Nov. 4, the day after Election Day, if Trump were to try to undermine the election results.”
Eldridge says that participants are being encouraged to remain peaceful.
Lt. Takeuchi is asking for any groups planning demonstrations to please reach out to SDPD ahead of time so that officers can ensure everyone’s safety.
