With a verdict in the trial of Derek Chauvin set to come as early as next week, the city of Minneapolis is already preparing for protests and civil unrest. The plan, which includes nine state and local agencies, called Operation Safety Net, is one of the biggest in the state’s history, likely only trailing the response to the 2007 collapse of the Interstate 35 bridge and the protests after George Floyd died in May.

While National Guard troops are already patrolling downtown Minneapolis, where the trial is going on, more are on call. And security has been ramped up, with additional barriers placed near the courthouse and streets surrounding police precincts being closed.

The mission of Operation Safety Net “is to preserve and protect lawful First Amendment non-violent protests and demonstrations,’’ Scott Wasserman, a public information officer for the group, said in an interview. “They will work to prevent large-scale violent civil disturbances, assaultive actions, property damage, fires, and looting to government buildings, businesses, and critical infrastructure.”

Here’s what you need to know:

National Guard: More than 3,000 members of the Minnesota guard have been called up and are already working in the Twin Cities and metropolitan area. There are more on standby if needed.

Street closures: Streets around some police precincts, which were targeted last year, have been shut. If necessary, there will be more closings.

Curfews: While much of the metropolitan area was under curfews during the worst of the protests last year, there are no plans yet for a curfew after the verdict. The decision to set one will likely fall to the city of Minneapolis.

Local law enforcement: More than 1,100 officers from agencies including the Hennepin County Sheriff’s office, Minneapolis Police Department and other local agencies are part of the mission. About 450 of them are from the Minnesota State Patrol. More are on standby if needed.

Briefings: Officials, including the Gov. Tim Walz and others will lead briefings as necessary.

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