Vancouver Police Planning for election week

Vancouver Police Planning for election week

November 4, 2024

In anticipation of gatherings of people who may wish to exercise their First Amendment rights surrounding the election, the Vancouver Police Department is preparing safety plans and coordinating with other City departments and local partners to increase safety and provide information related to lawful, peaceful assembly.

"The City has a long history of supporting the rights of individuals to assemble peacefully," said City Manager Lon Pluckhahn. "Regardless of the outcome on Tuesday, we remain committed to ensuring that all expressions of free speech are conducted in a safe, lawful, and respectful manner. Our focus is on maintaining the safety and well-being of all residents and visitors."

The goal of the Vancouver Police Department during any public event is to:

1. Maintain safety for all persons involved.

2. Protect public and private property.

3. Protect the right for lawful expression of Free Speech.

4. Minimize impact to community and traffic flow.

There are no identified threats or any known election events planned in Vancouver; however, Vancouver Police are continuing to monitor information leading up to election day and will be increasing staffing throughout election week.

"The Vancouver Police Department fully supports people's rights to assemble and engage in Free Speech, however they must do that in a lawful and peaceful manner; criminal behavior will not be tolerated in the City of Vancouver and individuals who engage in violent behavior or who come here to destroy or damage property will be investigated and will be subject to arrest and prosecution", said Vancouver Police Interim Chief Troy Price.

The Vancouver Police Department will utilize all available video including department body worn camera, department UAS (uncrewed aircraft system) and private video that may have captured criminal activity to conduct any follow-up investigations in which those responsible may not have been arrested at the time of the incident, due to the dynamics at that moment for officers to safely make an arrest.

Behaviors that will not be tolerated, and which may be subject to arrest or prosecution include:

• Blocking streets or vehicle traffic, to include pedestrians blocking freeways or major arterials.
• Lighting fires or burning materials.
• Vandalism or destruction of public or private property.
• Assaultive behavior.
• Unlawful possession or use of weapons.
• Disobeying police commands to disperse.

The Vancouver Police Department and the City of Vancouver will utilize signage and audible messages through a sound truck, as needed, to communicate and provide instructions or information to a crowd.

During a large-scale public event, the Vancouver Police Department will utilize our X channel, (@VancouverPDUSA) / X for any public messages and updates.