Missouri Police Preparing For Grand Jury Decision

AP ^ | 10-24-2014 | DAVID A. LIEB and JIM SALTER

[blam]

By DAVID A. LIEB and JIM SALTER
October 24, 2014

FERGUSON, Mo. (AP) — Missouri police have been brushing up on constitutional rights and stocking up on riot gear to prepare for a grand jury's decision about whether to charge a white police officer who fatally shot a black 18-year-old in suburban St. Louis.

The preparations are aimed at avoiding a renewed outbreak of violence during the potentially large demonstrations that could follow an announcement of whether Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson will face a criminal trial for the Aug. 9 death of Michael Brown.

Police and protesters have repeatedly clashed since the shooting, which prompted a national conversation about race and police tactics. Images of officers in riot gear and armored vehicles confronting protesters have drawn widespread criticism.

Many protesters want Darren Wilson indicted for murder. Grand jury proceedings are secret, but legal analysts say recently leaked information about Wilson's testimony to investigators may be an attempt to prepare the public for the possibility that he might not be charged.

(snip)

[LFOD]

He is staying out of sight and laying low. With all the threats and pervasive lynch mob mentality it is imperative he continue to so do.
He has excellent legal and security counsel.
He’s not “acting” guilty - he’s being smart by heeding good advice.

Don’t think for a minute you would be out confidently circulating in safety if the role was reversed. Easy to say from your position of warmth, distance and safety.

[Jim Noble]

prepare the public for the possibility that he might not be charged

The POSSIBILITY? What does that even mean?

Who on earth thinks Wilson will be indicted? Obviously he's innocent, obviously no grand jury looking at the facts will return an indictment.