WELDON SPRING, Mo. — Police will work to protect peaceful protesters after a grand jury’s decision in the Michael Brown shooting case is announced, but those who cross the line into violence will face consequences, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon warned Tuesday.
More than 1,000 police officers have received special training ahead of a decision expected this month about whether Ferguson Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, will face criminal charges for fatally shooting Brown, 18, who was black and unarmed.
The National Guard will be available if needed and a unified command of St. Louis city, St. Louis County and state police will provide security for protests.
Nixon said looting and violence that marred protests will not be tolerated.
“That ugliness was not representative of Missouri, and it cannot be repeated,” he said.
During the protests after the shooting, police donned riot gear and patrolled in armored vehicles, drawing widespread criticism.
A small number of protesters in those first few days attacked squad cars, tossed molotov cocktails at officers and, in a few cases, shot guns in the direction of police and looted local businesses. Police responded with tear gas, smoke canisters and rubber bullets. On many nights, dozens were arrested.
This time around, officers have undergone a combined 5,000 hours of training and police leaders have reached out to civil rights and protest groups to urge cooperation. Last week, a coalition representing more than 50 activist groups asked St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch for 48 hours notice before a grand jury decision is announced, saying that will allow them to help prevent violence.
Some organizers fear police will be heavy-handed.
“There is a significant effort to make sure that people’s rights are protected and that there’s no violence on either side,” said Andy Stepanian, a spokesman for several protest groups.
