Elk Co. officials ramp up security for Election Day

Elk County, PA — Elk County Sheriff Todd Caltagarone said the county plans to use random patrols on the evening of Election Day and the days after the election.

"With the current political climate across the country, it's just a prudent thing to do," he said.

The sheriff referring to recent protests amid the fatal police shooting of Walter Wallace Jr., in Philadelphia.

"Things that are important throughout our community we don't want any disruption there at all whether it comes from internal our outside sources," said Sheriff Caltagarone.

I asked Sheriff Caltagarone what he's referring to when he says disruption.

"Whether it be violent protests or anything worse any type of violence against those type of industries," he said.

Sheriff Caltagarone said they'll be watching communication towers and keeping a close eye to their emergency service sector.

He said there hasn't been any reports of future disruption but he wants to get ahead of the game.

"We know that Pennsylvania generally because of the current climate and potential for civil unrest and the civil unrest that's occurring in certain places, we don't want that to happen here, we want to get out in front of it," he said.

He said several polling places in the county are highlighted at the 911 center so if something happens, those calls will be prioritized.

"Of course with the potential delay or contesting of election results, we want to make sure people know we're doing everything we can to make sure we're keeping them safe," said the sheriff.

Sheriff Caltagarone said there wasn't a need for this security in previous elections, but his main priority is to keep his residents safe.

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