Local law enforcement prepares for protests tied to Ferguson grand jury decision
RALEIGH (WTVD) -- The looming grand jury decision in Ferguson, Missouri is weighing heavily on local law enforcement.
The grand jury announcement could come any day about whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson in the shooting death of Michael Brown.
Law enforcement officials say that decision may happen as soon as Friday with the announcement possibly on Sunday.
There are five local protests that will play out whenever that grand jury decision comes in Missouri.
With tensions high, police departments here and around the country are making plans.
The protests that turned violent riots in Ferguson last summer are the worst case scenario that police nationwide are now planning for.
The FBI sent a bulletin to law enforcement across the country which warned that violent individuals will likely try to exploit peaceful protests and attack police officers.
Ajama Dillahunt is helping to organize the protest in Raleigh. It's scheduled to happen the day after the Ferguson grand jury decides whether to indict Wilson.
"From everything that we're seeing, we don't expect that they're going to come with a decision to indict," Dillahunt told ABC11.
Sixty-one protests are planned in cities nationwide. There are announcements for five in North Carolina: Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, Rocky Mount and Greenville.
"I think people have just reached the breaking point and so people want to stand for justice for Michael Brown. They want to stand with the people of Ferguson," Dillahunt said.
The Raleigh Police Department told ABC11 that it's paying close attention to the developments in Missouri and the protests plans back at home. But the RPD would not discuss its plan or staffing levels.
No specifics either from Durham Police Chief Jose Lopez, who told us he's hoping to soon move past the whole ordeal.
Police in Chapel Hill said there's no specific plan in place. While Rocky Mount police are not expecting a protest at all.
In Greenville, police said they've reached out to protest groups in hopes of easing tensions.
As the FBI warns of suspects armed with knives, guns, and tactical gear, Dillahunt thinks a measured response from police would go the furthest in tamping down the potential for violence.
"People are going to be in the streets. They're going to be angry. They're going to be militant," Dillahunt said. "But the response is what will determine how things go."
Dillahunt said the protests are planned to be peaceful. The event in Raleigh and the others are being organized through a nationwide grassroots campaign called "The Ferguson Response Network."
Supporters will receive a text message alert the minute the grand jury decides whether to indict Officer Wilson.
