In anticipation of a verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman, the Broward Sheriff’s Office announced Tuesday that it has coordinated a response plan with the Sanford Police Department and other local law enforcement agencies.
“We don’t have information about a specific event that might take place at the conclusion of the trial, but we encourage everyone to keep any protests peaceful,” Broward Sheriff Scott Israel said in a statement.
In conjunction with the sheriff’s announcement the office also released PSAs urging potential protestors to express themselves with their voices, not their hands.
“I know your patience will be tested but law enforcement has your back,” a boy and girl say in the PSA, which the office explained was created with the help of kids from the Jason Taylor Foundation, H.A.N.D.Y. (Helping Abused, Neglected, Disadvantaged Youth) and Miami Heat star James Jones.
“Let it roll off your shoulders, its water off your back, don’t lack composure because in one instance it could be over,” the girl adds.
“So let’s make the choice to raise your voice and not your hands,” the pair conclude.
According to the Broward Sheriff’s Office, their Strategic Investigative Division has been keeping an eye on the situation and keeping lines of communication with community leaders and agencies open.