LAPD Prepares for Possible Ferguson Demonstrations as Leaders Call for Calm

With a decision looming in the controversial grand jury investigation into Michael Brown's shooting, the Los Angeles Police Department is preparing for demonstrations in LA when the announcement is made.

Some groups have already said they would demonstrate regardless of whether the Ferguson grand jury says charges should be filed aginst the Missouri police department and officer Darren Wilson, who allegedly shot Brown after a confrontation in Ferguson.

The grand jury's decision -- which will not issue a verdict in the case -- may be released over the weekend, and officials held a press conference Saturday morning where they asked citizens to protest peacefully.

"There are situations like this where individuals who don't even live in the community want to create chaos," said LA City Council President Herb Wesson, acting mayor while Eric Garcetti is in China.

Congresswoman Karen Bass and several other politicians and faith leaders also attended the South LA press conference.

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"People will do the right thing," Bass said: "discuss what the decision is," have meetings, hold vigils and protest "in the right way."

The LAPD has set up a command post at the 77th Street Division. The planning is precautionary, police said, in case there is a large-scale reaction.

"We will facilitate lawful demonstration, just as we always do," LAPD Chief Charlie Beck said.

Sources told NBC News on Saturday afternoon that a grand jury decision wasn't due until Monday at the earliest, but an LAPD spokesman said preparations would not change.

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