Understanding the type of threats you could face will help you notice anything untoward. Be mindful of issues that have the potential to escalate both online and in-person. When in public, have an enhanced appreciation of where you are and the situation you find yourself in. Be alert to any potential dangers.
Your local police force offer security briefings for all candidates during the election period. Be sure to attend and engage with these. Plan your movements, varying your times and routes as much as possible to make yourself unpredictable. When canvasing, try not to attend alone, and let your team know where you are. Be aware of the venues you will be attending, exits and safe areas within them. Consider what you will do in an emergency. Familiarise yourself with the emergency call function on your mobile phone and set up your emergency contacts. Know your exact location so you can tell the police if an incident were to happen. Online, carefully manage your digital footprint, and control what personal information is freely available to the public.
Be aware you could be targeted by cyber attacks, including targeted phishing emails. Take steps to protect your personal accounts and devices and review your social media use and settings.
Do not engage with individuals who intimidate or threaten you in-person or online. For online abuse, know who you need to contact and what information to provide. Alert your internet service provider or mobile phone company immediately and use the ‘report abuse’ tools on social media platforms. Contact the police if someone has knowledge or personal information about you that is not public domain or shows fixated ideas or behaviour towards you.
You must contact 999 any time there is a threat of immediate violence or you feel in danger. Keep records of any harassment, the more detailed, the better.
As candidates, you've all decided to take part in our great democratic process. You're not alone. You have access to support from both government and the police, and you should speak with your local policing representative. All candidates are able to access security briefings from their local police force during the election period, and I strongly encourage you to engage with them. If a threat presents itself either online or in-person, you must reach out for support and contact the relevant authorities.
And if that threat is immediate or it's an emergency, you should always call 999. Remember, be alert, plan ahead and know what to do.
For more information on improving your personal safety and security, speak to your local policing representative. Attend the relevant security briefings. Such ‘security guidance for elections’ on gov.uk or follow the QR code.
