Local police and community activists ready for Ferguson grand jury decision

While everyone is still waiting for a grand jury decision in the Michael Brown case groups in Mid-Missouri are planning what actions to take regardless of the outcome.

The NAACP, Missouri Faith Voices, and African American Clergy Coalition plan to march in Columbia after the verdict.

Some will march from Second Baptist Church in Columbia, while others will march from the University of Missouri campus.

All groups are meeting at the Boone County Courthouse.

“There is no way of doubting there will be rage and hostility and the concern for leadership be it youth leadership, clergy leadership, we all are trying to find a way to place that rage in a way that can be managed,” said Carl W. Kenney II with the African American Clergy Coalition.

ABC 17 News checked in with local law enforcement to see if they are ready for protests and demonstrations in Mid-Missouri.

The Columbia Police Department said it’s continuing to train as it always does for events related to civil unrest.

The Boone County Sheriff’s Department told ABC 17 News it has been meeting with the CPD and Highway Patrol.

Captain John Wheeler with the Cole County Sheriff’s Department told ABC 17 News, “This is the Capitol City so there is a possibility of protests all the time. Anytime we learn there could be a protest coming here we always review our policies and check to make sure we have equipment if we need such as latex gloves.”