In anticipation of the Ferguson grand jury decision, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon signed an executive order activating the Missouri National Guard on Monday afternoon.
Calling it a “contingency plan,” Gov. Nixon said the order establishes that the Missouri State Highway Patrol, St. Louis County Police Department and St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department will operate as a unified command.
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“As part of our ongoing efforts to plan and be prepared for any contingency, it is necessary to have these resources in place in advance of any announcement of the grand jury’s decision,” Gov. Nixon said. h/t stlouis.cbslocal
Under the executive order, the St. Louis County Police Department will have command and operational control over security in the City of Ferguson in areas of protests and acts of civil disobedience. While keeping members of the public safe and protecting their property, citizens would also be allowed to peacefully exercise their constitutional rights.
