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Police prepare for outcome of George Zimmerman trial

Posted at 9:07 PM, Jul 13, 2013
and last updated 2013-07-13 23:50:47-04

RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) - The George Zimmerman murder trial has been dominating national headlines since February 2012, and the case is also having an impact locally.

D.J. King Tutt for KISS-FM says the Zimmerman trial has hit the charts on his radio show, but he doesn't think the verdict will cause chaos in the river city.

"You may have a few that may use it as an excuse to do something bad," Tutt said.  "But I really do feel that as a parent, and someone in radio, trying to be responsible for the city," he added.  “I don't want anyone to get upset and make this a big race thing."

A Florida jury of 6 women spent three weeks hearing both sides that paint a different picture of the neighborhood watch commander who shot Trayvon Martin.

"There were a lot of witnesses in this case and a lot of evidence,” CBS 6 Legal Analyst Todd Stone said.

Richmond Police say they're ready to respond no matter what the outcome is

“We have been monitoring the trial, “ Major Steve Drew said.  “We have put messages out to all of the precincts and divisions to report any suspicious activity to our Homeland Security division.”

"Detectives and analysts are monitoring social media websites, and they are looking at staffing levels over the next few days,” Drew added.

Drew told CBS 6 that they are working closely with police in the surrounding jurisdictions, including VCU, in case protestors gather in Monroe Park.

"We are fully staffed and are in constant communication with Richmond Police and other law enforcement partners," VCU Police Chief John Venuti said.

Drew says State Police have set up a fusion center to disseminate information to the local police departments.