Captain Harold Love on National Police Week - Committee for Safe and Secure Elections

In recognition of National Police Week and the upcoming 2024 election cycle, we sat down with Captain Harold Love, retired Michigan State Police Department Captain, to recognize the work of law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make, including their contribution to keeping our elections safe and secure.

Can you describe your current or past role in law enforcement?

I served 25 years with the Michigan State Police before retiring in 2013. Throughout my career, I served in various capacities and ranks from trooper to Captain at worksites throughout lower Michigan. I currently work in my mental health private practice providing psychological services to police and public safety organizations in the Metro Detroit Area.

With respect to your law enforcement experience and role as a member of CSSE, why do you think it is important that our elections are free, fair, and secure?

As police officers, we are considered the guardians of our democracy. We are charged with protecting and ensuring the fundamental rights that every person has under our constitution, including the right to vote. Along with that charge, there is an expectation that police officers will respond to protect and serve all persons when called upon to do so.

What value have you observed in partnerships between law enforcement and election officials? Feel free to share an example of how you have worked with election officials in your role in law enforcement.

I have observed the value of the Detroit Police Department partnering with the Wayne County Clerk’s Office during the 2022 primary election to ensure the safety of election workers at the city’s Central Counting Board. 20 police officers were assigned to keep watch over the count and keep things in order.

Can you share some of your proudest accomplishments in your law enforcement experience where you feel you supported and advanced democracy?

In 2013, I served as part of the incident command structure and public affairs liaison for the Michigan State Police during the Right to Work Protest at our State Capitol. Through the collaborative efforts of state and local police with our legislators, people were able to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and peacefully protest our legislature while ensuring the safety of our legislators and our State Capitol. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7XIHwOlgmS4

Do you have any other thoughts that you would like to share about National Police Week?

Serving as a police officer can seem like a thankless profession at times for many of our men and women in uniform. National Police Week provides an opportunity for civilians and police officers to pay homage to those who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty. Spending time in the D.C. area and at events and ceremonies around the nation during Police Week reminds police officers that they are appreciated, respected, and loved by many and reinforces the vital role we play in protecting and preserving our democracy.

“Election officials are the heroes of our democracy, working harder than almost anyone I know to ensure that every one of us can exercise our fundamental right to vote. The intimidation and threats against these dedicated officials and their families must stop."

Kathy Boockvar
Vice President of Election Operations and Support, Center for Internet Security

“Democracy can only survive and thrive if we respect and protect its values and principles. Elected officials must respect those they serve, freely act within their elected authority and act on behalf of a nation that ensures their safety so they may make decisions without fear or intimidation. That is a true democracy."

Sheriff Paul Penzone
Maricopa County, Arizona

“Access to the ballot should not be stymied in any manner, nor should we ever lose valuable election officials because they are worn down from harassment, fear, threats and undue job hardships created to alter public faith in the electoral process. "

Kathy Holland
Director of Elections, Alamance County North Carolina (Ret.)
“I joined the committee because I took an oath, along with my law enforcement colleagues, to protect and serve all persons, which is in alignment with my personal values and morals. "

Captain Harold Love
Michigan State Police (Ret.), Owner and Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Harold J. Love & Associates

“The 2020 election cycle brought many challenges for election officials, but the most shocking for me were the death threats, verbal assaults, intimidation, and scare tactics. I am one of the election officials that had my life and the lives of my family members threatened, and the threats have not ceased."

Tina Barton
Senior Elections Expert, The Elections Group

“My dad was a city clerk. Elections were a central and cherished part of his job. I joined this committee to ensure that today’s election officials can keep America’s elections running safely and securely, just like he did."

Sheriff Peter J. Koutoujian
Middlesex County, Massachusetts
“Election officials are unsung heroes of American democracy—they make sure our system operates as intended. Threats to these public servants are an attack on democracy itself. Law enforcement and election officials working together can help chart a safer and more secure path forward for future elections."

Orion Danjuma
Counsel, Protect Democracy

“Safe, secure, transparent elections are the cornerstone of our democracy. CSSE members recognize the great responsibility associated with election administration and embrace public accountability to ensure that all eligible voters can freely exercise their right to vote and have their ballots counted. We make it a point to welcome and encourage those who want to peacefully observe this fundamental democratic process."

Neal Kelley
Registrar of Voters (Ret.) Orange County, California

“As an election official who experienced the verbal threats and intimidation directed at me and my staff I feel I must be a voice on this committee to work with law enforcement to address this issue."

Joseph Gloria
Registrar of Voters, Clark County, Nevada
“Election workers are the guardians of our democracy, and attacks on them for doing their jobs are unacceptable. I’m proud to stand with and in support of this group of law enforcement and election officials, who are working on practical solutions to keep our elections safe and secure."

Larry Norden
Senior Director, Elections & Government, Brennan Center for Justice

“I have joined this committee because I believe in the mission and have full confidence that we will develop practices that are results driven and further strengthen the pipeline between law enforcement and election officials."

Derek Bowens
Director of Elections, Durham County, North Carolina