As we approach the 2024 presidential election, it is essential to understand the significant role our organization plays in shaping the future of law enforcement in this country. The Fraternal Order of Police (FOP) is not just the largest law enforcement organization in the nation; it is a powerful advocate for the values and priorities we hold dear. Our endorsement is more than a symbol of support—it is a statement of our collective commitment to safeguarding the interests of law enforcement professionals nationwide.
Why Our Endorsement Matters
The FOP’s endorsement has the potential to influence the direction of law enforcement policy in the United States. It signals to the nation which candidates understand the critical role that law enforcement officers play in maintaining peace and order. In a time when the challenges facing our profession are more significant than ever, our endorsement can help ensure that the next leader of our country is one who values and supports the work we do every day.
One of the unique strengths of the FOP is that it is one of the few national organizations that allows its members to actively participate in the endorsement process. This inclusivity ensures that our endorsement is truly representative of the collective voice of law enforcement officers across the country.
The Endorsement Process
The evaluation of presidential candidates is the exclusive responsibility of the National Fraternal Order of Police. The National FOP has taken steps to ensure that every member, in every state and local lodge, has the opportunity to participate in this critical process. This approach allows the National FOP to speak with one unified voice, thereby enhancing the value of our endorsement.
To facilitate this process, questionnaires were presented to both Vice President Harris and former President Trump. These questionnaires were designed to assess each candidate’s stance on critical issues affecting law enforcement and to understand their plans to support our profession. While the Trump campaign completed the questionnaire, the Harris campaign provided a letter in response. We are providing their unedited responses for your review and consideration, which can be accessed here: Candidates’ Responses.
State-Level Participation
Each state is responsible for adopting a process to evaluate the presidential candidates before the Fall meeting of the National Board of Trustees, scheduled for September 6, 2024. During this meeting, a formal vote on the endorsement will be conducted, with each Trustee casting a single vote for a candidate or for “no endorsement.” A candidate who receives a two-thirds majority of the National Board of Trustees will receive the endorsement of the National FOP.
In South Carolina, the process is as follows:
- Lodge Vote: Each lodge will vote at their August meeting, choosing between the Democratic Nominee, the Republican Nominee, No Endorsement, or Abstain.
- Reporting Results: Lodge Presidents must forward the results of their vote immediately after the meeting.
- State Submission: Trustee Gainey will submit South Carolina’s collective vote at the Fall Board Meeting on September 6, 2024, in Charlotte, NC.
- Endorsement Announcement: The endorsement will be announced on the same day in Charlotte.
Your Voice, Our Future
The upcoming presidential election is pivotal for our nation and our profession. By participating in this endorsement process, you ensure that the voice of law enforcement is heard loud and clear. Together, we can influence the future of law enforcement in America and ensure that the values we hold dear are upheld by our nation’s leaders.
We encourage all members to review the candidates’ responses and participate fully in this process. Your involvement is crucial in making our endorsement a powerful and unifying force.
