NEW YORK (WCBS 880) — With two weeks to go before Election Day, the NYPD says it is prepared to handle just about any situation that might come up.
The police department is not taking any chances when it comes to the safety of polling places across the city.
On Tuesday, Chief of Department Terrence Monahan announced that currently, they “don’t see any threat at this point.”
Though, he wants New Yorkers to feel safe and says everyone will be allowed to exercise their right to vote.
“Have no fear going into an election site. We will be there, and we will make sure everyone is safe,” Monahan said.
The NYPD plans to have at least one officer posted at each of the 1,200 polling locations throughout the five boroughs.
Deputy Commission of Intelligence and Counterterrorism John Miller says officers have prepared for every possible scenario that can occur on Election Day – including protests, in-person disruptions and cyber threats.
“We want to be very careful not to either over police, and that can send a signal, or under police, people should see – as required by law – a police officer at a polling place so that they have someone to bring to their attention anything that’s untoward,” Miller said.
He notes that the NYPD will be working with other agencies to ensure the election goes smoothly.
“Ransomware, D-DOS attacks and other forms and that's gonna be with the Board of Elections, with the FBI with the NYPD intelligence cyber people,” he said.
Chief Monahan says officers are also clear of any potential political bias.
“When we put on this uniform, we are apolitical. We have no stance one way or another,” he said. “(Officers have) one role and that's to keep people safe, make that sure anyone can come in and vote.”
His comments come months after the city's Police Benevolent Association endorsed President Donald Trump.