Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland Police and Crime Commissioner Rupert Matthews has praised officers for their professionalism during a proactive operation to maintain peace and public safety at a city by-election.
Leicestershire Police officers maintained close watch over the North Evington by-election in Leicester on Thursday October 14, 2022.
The event followed recent weeks of unrest and violent disorder in the East of the City which have resulted in a series of arrests.
Mr Matthews said he had personally toured the polling stations throughout Thursday to check everything was in order and is pleased to report the voting passed peacefully and without incident.
He said: “I would like to thank all those officers who participated in the operation to monitor the polling stations and provide reassurance to local residents who turned out to vote.
“Leicestershire Police view all electoral processes as important for sustaining public confidence and provide nationally trained and experienced senior officers to support them for the prevention of electoral fraud and disorder. Such operations undergo detailed planning to enhance the ability of the police to respond to allegations, protect voters and initiate investigations should they arise and I was pleased to see these robust processes in action.
“I have previously asked for a report from the force to my Strategic Governance Board clarifying exactly how Leicestershire Police polices and protects the integrity of democratic elections – this report was later presented to the Police and Crime Panel and confirmed the proactivity with which the force approaches such events.
“Given the recent troubles that have marked East Leicester in the past weeks, these arrangements were particularly justified and it was wonderful to see peaceful democracy making a return to our vibrant and diverse City.
“This operation was a fine example of how an election should be policed and other police forces could learn from our example. My appreciation goes to all those who were involved in making this by-election a success.”
Ends
Background information:
The results of the by-election can be found here https://www.leicester.gov.uk/your-council/elections-and-voting/north-evington-ward-by-election-2022/
Posted on Friday 14th October 2022