Philadelphia Police Preparing For Ferguson Grand Jury Reaction
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - With people around the country waiting on the Ferguson grand jury decision, and planning rallies or protests depending on the decision, police departments -- including in Philadelphia -- are planning accordingly.
There's been outreach with groups that will or may be involved in demonstrations, but Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says he doesn't expect it to turn negative:
"Of course there is always the possibility of some people with a different agenda that may show up, but they would certainly be in the minority. The majority of people who are concerned about what is going on there, simply want to excercise their first amendment rights, and our job is to see to it that they have the ability to do so in a very peaceful way."
Ramsey says the Civil Affairs Unit, which normally handles protests, is on alert to respond:
"We did have a meeting a couple of days ago with representatives from the National Action Network. They do plan on some marches, they are trying to coordinate with us, which is great. And we spoke to some groups that represent young people as well. So there will be some activity here in Philadelphia, but nothing that we anticipate turning negative at all."
Local deomonstrations are planned for the day of and day after the grand jury's decision.