Returning Officers are responsible for the safety of election staff, the voting process and the verification and the count. This guide has been formulated to assist them with the security of buildings used in the electoral process.
The section contains generic advice intended to encompass the security provisions for all elections. As such it will need to be tailored to suit the type of venue being used.
Introduction
The following guidelines are intended to reduce the opportunity for disruption of the Election process through the use or threat of terrorism. This document contains guidance outlining a series of factors for consideration by Returning Officers to enable their staff to conduct their roles and responsibilities, providing safe and secure counting venues and polling stations as far as reasonably practicable.
The guidelines are not intended to be exhaustive as the premises used will vary greatly and recommendations therefore must be adapted to meet local needs. Further supporting guidance publications including ‘Recognising the Terrorist Threat’ are available on ProtectUK and the National Protective Security Agency (NPSA) website.
The College of Policing Authorised Professional Practice (APP) have produced guidance on maintaining order and preventing undue influence outside polling stations: Maintaining order outside polling stations.
The APP outlines the necessity for Returning Officers and their respective Police Force to initiate early contact in planning for the Election. The Electoral Commission provide a variety of guidance products, including a handbook for Polling Station staff at www.electoralcommission.org.uk
Whilst the safety of staff must be part of security planning considerations, there is a high level of individual responsibility. Staff should be made aware of personal safety and security when working at and travelling to and from sites. In addition to NaCTSO (The Blue Book: A Guide to Personal Security), a good source of personal security advice is available at www.suzylamplugh.org
The Threat
An attack in the UK could occur anywhere and potentially with little or no warning. Terrorists are likely to favour ‘soft’ targets or venues and public spaces with little or no protective security measures. Understanding the threat facing us all is essential in order that proportionate, effective and responsive activity can take place. It is important staff understand what normal looks like, around their venue, so that they are better able to identify suspicious activity. The message is clear ‘don’t worry, don’t delay, just act.’
In the event of an emergency or other incident requiring urgent police attention all staff should be reminded to dial '999' immediately. They should also notify the Returning Officer as soon as possible.
Managing security
To assist in deciding what security arrangements are necessary and commensurate, consideration may be given to the following factors:
- The current threat assessment
- The venue
- Profile of candidates and
- Any other local issues that could influence security
The majority of venues used for local elections are unlikely to require any greater security arrangements than those afforded by good housekeeping e.g. physical check of building and unobtrusive access control.
In a minority of cases, locations such as counting venues or high profile polling stations may require additional security provisions. Returning Officers are encouraged to liaise with their Police Single Point Of Contact (SPOC) at the earliest opportunity to discuss policing arrangements.
Disclaimer:
Reference to any specific commercial product, process or service by trade name, trademark, manufacturer, or otherwise, does not constitute or imply its endorsement, recommendation, or favouring by National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO). The views and opinions of authors expressed within this document shall not be used for advertising or product endorsement purposes. To the fullest extent permitted by law, NaCTSO accepts no liability for any loss or damage (whether direct, indirect or consequential and including, but not limited to, loss of profits or anticipated profits, loss of data, business or goodwill) incurred by any person and howsoever caused arising from or connected with any error or omission in this document or from any person acting, omitting to act or refraining from acting upon, or otherwise using, the information contained in this document or its references. You should make your own judgement as regards use of this document and seek independent professional advice on your particular circumstances. The text of this publication may not be reproduced, nor may talks or lectures based on material contained within the document be given, without written consent from NaCTSO.
