Santa Cruz Police Call For Unity Ahead Of Divisive Election

SANTA CRUZ, CA — Santa Cruz Police Chief Andrew Mills said the department will protect residents' first amendment rights to freedom of assembly after the November election, but condemned any acts of violence or vandalism.

Police will be prepared to handle such incidents, Mills said.

"This has been a very tumultuous election cycle," Mills said in a video addressing the public. "I've never seen our country so divided, but one thing I can say is we are all Americans first."

Officers called on the public to respect their neighbors' right to vote for any candidate of their choosing.

"Please, let's go out, let your voices be heard all the way to Washington, D.C," Mills said. "But let's do it safely and peacefully."