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26-09 - Election Security Field Reference Guide


11-17 - 2012 Legislative Update
26-08 - Street and Sidewalk Vendor Enforcement in Contract Cities

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VOLUME 26 NUMBER 07                                                                                DATE: 10/30/2026

 

ELECTION SECURITY FIELD REFERENCE GUIDE

This Field Reference Guide provides guidance for deputy sheriffs when outside law enforcement agencies seek to conduct an investigation at a Check-in Center (CIC) or the Ballot Processing Center (BPC).

  1. Body Worn Camera (BWC)

Immediately activate your body-worn camera in accordance with Department policy.

  1. Agency Verification

Request and verify the officer or agent's official identification; request their full name, contact information, business cards, a copy of all pages of the search or arrest warrant, court order (including all affidavits/attachments), or any other legal document purporting to give them authority to take law enforcement action (e.g., subpoena or "administrative warrant"). Use your BWC to record the entire interaction. If permitted to do so, use your County-issued cell phone to take photographs of every page of all presented documents.

  1. Immediate Notification and Request a Supervisor

Notify the Command Post and request a supervisor. Provide the location (CIC number), investigating agency, number of personnel, names, stated purpose, and any immediate safety concerns. The Command Post will notify County Counsel and arrange for transmission of any photographs taken of all presented documents.

  1. Standby / Observe / Document

Once identity has been verified and concerns have been referred to the Command Post and a supervisor, stand by, observe, and document the incident, including statements, times, and the handling of ballots or other election-related documents.

Deputies interacting with the outside agency are reminded to be courteous and professional. Request that they stand by for the arrival of a Department Supervisor and County Counsel; however, do not attempt to stop or interfere with the investigating agency if they insist on proceeding with their investigation before a Department Supervisor or County Counsel arrives. Allow them to proceed while continuing to observe and document and immediately update the Command Post and supervisor any new information.

In accordance with state law and Department policy, any Department member witnessing unreasonable force that is clearly beyond that which reasonably appears necessary (as determined by an objectively reasonable deputy under the circumstances) shall intercede to prevent or stop the unreasonable force when safely able to do so. Refer to MPP 3-10/030.00, Unreasonable Force and Duty to Report and Intercede, for further guidance.

  1. Warrant / Legal Authority - Deputy Role

Deputies should not attempt to determine, challenge, or litigate the legal validity or scope of a search warrant, court order, or other asserted legal authority in the field. Do not sign consent forms or independently provide legal consent on behalf of the County. Refer legal questions to the Department Supervisor, Command Post, and County Counsel. If agents access, search, seize, or remove ballots, election materials, records, computers, or other property, immediately notify the Command Post and supervisor.

CORE DIRECTIVE | Activate BWC • Notify • Verify • Request Supervisor • Stand By / Document