A nonpartisan police leadership organization has made a surprising choice in the upcoming presidential election.

According to Fox News, the Police Leaders for Community Safety has endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential race, countering recent endorsements of Trump by other law enforcement groups.

The Police Leaders for Community Safety, formed in June, describes itself as the only national law enforcement advocacy group to endorse political candidates.

The organization emphasizes its mission to promote policies that enhance community safety, improve policing practices, and uphold the rule of law.

Contrasting Endorsements In Law Enforcement Community

The endorsement of Harris by the Police Leaders for Community Safety stands in stark contrast to the support Trump has received from other prominent law enforcement organizations.

Earlier this month, the National Fraternal Order of Police, the country's largest police union, threw its support behind the former president.

Trump has also secured endorsements from the International Union of Police Associations and the National Association of Police Organizations (NAPO). These endorsements highlight the divided nature of law enforcement support in the upcoming election.

The Police Leaders for Community Safety's decision to back Harris provides her campaign with crucial support from a segment of the law enforcement community, potentially countering criticisms of her stance on crime and policing issues.

Reasons Behind The Harris Endorsement

Sue Riseling, chair of Police Leaders for Community Safety, explained the organization's decision to support Harris: "This endorsement reflects Vice President Harris' track record and unwavering commitment to public safety and the rule of law."

David Mahoney, a board member of the organization and former sheriff, praised Harris's background as a prosecutor and her legislative efforts.

He emphasized her experience in protecting people, supporting victims, and holding accountable those who have harmed others or betrayed public trust.

Rick Myers, the board vice chair and a former police chief, criticized politicians who claim to be tough on crime but fail to take necessary actions. He specifically highlighted Harris's approach to gun policy:

We need a leader who will protect both the 2nd Amendment and our nation from the scourge of gun violence, and that leader is Kamala Harris.

Competing Narratives On Crime And Policing

The contrasting endorsements reflect the ongoing debate about crime and policing in America. Despite data showing downward trends in many crime categories nationally, crime remains a top concern for voters.

Trump has consistently portrayed Harris as soft on crime and anti-police, linking her to persistent crime issues in San Francisco, where she previously served as district attorney. He advocates for more aggressive policing, reduced federal oversight, and increased military equipment for local police departments.

Harris, on the other hand, has focused on Trump's legal troubles, including his historic felony conviction. She highlights the Biden-Harris administration's record on law enforcement funding through pandemic relief funds and advocates for stronger federal oversight and less military equipment for local police departments.

Campaign Responses And Additional Support

Julie Chavez Rodriguez, Harris's campaign manager, responded to the endorsement by emphasizing the vice president's background in law enforcement:

As a prosecutor who has stood with law enforcement throughout her entire career, Vice President Harris took a tough and smart approach on crime: increasing conviction rates, holding violent criminals accountable, and keeping communities safe. She also worked tirelessly to make the criminal justice system more fair – especially for communities of color.

The Harris campaign also noted that this endorsement follows the support of 100 law enforcement officials, including officers who protected the U.S. Capitol during the January 6, 2021 attack, and over 700 national security officials.

Conclusion

The endorsement by the Police Leaders for Community Safety adds a new dimension to the ongoing debate about crime and policing in the 2024 presidential race. It highlights the complex and sometimes divided nature of law enforcement support in national politics. As the election approaches, Harris and Trump continue to present contrasting visions for public safety and criminal justice, each seeking to position themselves as the candidate best equipped to address these critical issues.