A coalition of national law enforcement leaders has officially endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris for president, marking the first endorsement from Police Leaders for Community Safety, which was established in 2024 as a non-partisan organization. This endorsement follows the earlier backing of former President Donald Trump by the National Fraternal Order of Police.

In a press release on Monday, chairwoman Sue Riseling stated that the endorsement reflects Harris’s strong commitment to public safety and the rule of law. “As police leaders with experience in law enforcement agencies, we understand what it takes to enhance community safety, and that includes electing Kamala Harris as our next president,” she said.

The Police Leaders for Community Safety is comprised primarily of former law enforcement officials. Key members include Riseling, the former chief of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Police, along with David Mahoney, a retired sheriff from Dane County, Wisconsin, and Cynthia Herriott, the former chief of the Rochester Police Department.

This endorsement comes at a time when the National Fraternal Order of Police, the oldest law enforcement lobbying group in the U.S., has publicly supported Trump, continuing a trend from previous elections. Patrick Yoes, National President of the Fraternal Order, emphasized the importance of public safety and border security in their endorsement decision, stating there was “zero doubt” among members about their choice for the presidency.

Additionally, the International Union of Police Associations endorsed Trump earlier this year, citing his history of supporting law enforcement as a key reason for their backing.

As the election approaches, the contrasting endorsements highlight the varying perspectives within law enforcement regarding the presidential candidates.