Police Readying First Amendment Zones To Quell Possible Zimmerman Backlash

MIAMI (CBS4) - Unsure of how the public will react following the verdict in the George Zimmerman murder trial, local leaders and police are working closely to establish designated areas where people can gather peacefully.

Two First Amendment Zones will be ready to go whenever the decision comes down from the jury in Sanford.

Authorities are encouraging anyone who wants their voice to be heard to gather in these zones, instead of taking to the streets and inciting riots.

"Riots are not acceptable and riots are not expected," Patterson said at a recent community meeting.

MDPD's motto for the outcome of the case is "Be vocal, not violent."

In the month following the death of Trayvon Martin, South Florida students staged walk-outs. The demonstrations were public, yet peaceful rallies in support of the teen who lived here.

With the trial coming to a close, some worry people may turn to rioting.

The following areas have been designated First Amendment zones:

-- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Park

6160 NW 32nd Ct, Miami, FL 33142

(305) 633-2044

-- Goulds Park

11350 SW 216th St, Miami, FL 33170

(305) 255-2399

The following churches will be open for prayer.

St. Peters Missionary Baptist Church

17901 SW 107^th Avenue, Miami, Florida

Second Baptist Church

11111 Pinkston Drive, Miami, Florida

Community Baptist Church

1055 NW 6^th Avenue, Miami, Florida

Covenant Baptist Church

1055 NW 6^th Avenue, Florida City, Florida

Husanna Community Baptist Church

2171 NW 56^th Street, Miami, Florida

Redemption Missionary Baptist Church

4820 NW 27^th Avenue, Miami, Florida

Jordan Grove Baptist Church

5946 NW 12^th Avenue, Miami, Florida

Westview Baptist Church

13301 NW 24^th Avenue, Miami, Florida

New Bethany Missionary Baptist Church

268 NW 48^th Street, Miami, Florida

Community Bible Baptist Church

10225 SW 147^th Terrace, Miami, Florida

The MDPD also wants the community to follow updates via the MDPD Facebook page and the Twitter feed. Police are also urging anyone who hears rumors of possible congregating or rioting to call 311.

In:
• Trayvon Martin