LOS ANGELES (CNS) — Law enforcement agencies across the Southland will be in a state of readiness this week as the Minnesota murder trial of a former police officer charged in the death of George Floyd nears an end, raising concerns about a repeat of mass protests and unrest that occurred last summer.

Beverly Hills police will be on "full alert" in the city's residential and business districts this week as the trial of Derek Chauvin concludes, and will be working with "other law enforcement personnel and private security companies."

"While we are hopeful for a peaceful time following the verdict, the Beverly Hills Police Department is well-prepared and committed to protecting our city," police Chief Dominick Rivetti said in a statement Friday night.

City officials noted that some businesses may choose to limit their operations, and the city could take other "preventative measures" to protect city facilities and property.

Santa Monica interim police Chief Jacqueline Seabrooks said in a video message to the community that the department has already begun ramping up its visible presence around the city.

"You'll see our enhanced presence throughout our community," she said.

"Because peaceful assembly as expressive conduct is protected by the First Amendment, the Santa Monica Police Department is committed to assisting and facilitating in this peaceful freedom of expression," she said. "... The women and men of your police department are steadfastly committed to you and your safety. According, we've been closely monitoring the events in Minneapolis and within our region. As we make other preparations, which include multi-agency collaborations and internal systems review ... as of this recording there's been no indication of any threats or any activities specifically targeting our community."

She said community alerts will be issued if that changes. She also said the city has prepared and posted online a checklist for business owners, providing tips for how to prepare for possible civil unrest.

The Culver City Police Department issued a statement saying it is also monitoring the situation with the Chauvin trial.

"We would like to assure the community that the Culver City Police Department has an operational plan in place and is prepared to appropriately respond to any incidents occurring within our city as a result of the verdict," according to the agency. "We will also have additional uniformed patrol officers in the field to respond to calls for service and provide a highly visible presence around the city."

Long Beach police issued a similar statement, saying the agency "will be increasing the number of uniformed officers on patrol throughout the city to engage our community members, deter and prevent crime, support peaceful demonstrations and protect our city and residents."

Sheriff Alex Villanueva and LAPD Chief Michel Moore have been vocal in urging people to protest peacefully following the verdict. They both took part in an online community town hall discussion Monday about public safety.

"I think early intervention and high visible presence is a way to go and we will be doing that and we will be working hand-in-hand with all of our municipal partners throughout the county," Villanueva said. "And, of course, what we are asking people is that regardless of what the outcome may be, it's not going to be a cause for people to resort to violence or damage other peoples' property, destroy businesses, destroy jobs. That's not going to further anyone's cause of justice — you are actually creating more injustices."

He insisted deputies "are going to always respect everyone's right to protest. We are going to defend everyone's First Amendment right to assemble and to protest, but it has to be peaceful. That's all we are asking for: peaceful protest. If they decide to become violent or cross over into lawlessness, we will take immediate decisive action."

Villanueva said over the weekend the department is communicating with state and local law enforcement agencies "as to their state of readiness," including the California National Guard, which could be requested for assistance if conditions demand.

Last week, Villanueva, Moore and about two dozen religious and community leaders gathered in front of LAPD headquarters to plead for calm following the verdict in Chauvin's trial.

Chauvin is accused of murder for kneeling on Floyd's neck for nearly nine minutes while arresting him for allegedly passing a counterfeit $20 bill last Memorial Day. Floyd's death sparked nationwide protests, including in the Southland.

Moore noted Monday that some protests have already been held locally over the past week as the Chauvin trial continued, and he took it as a good sign that the gatherings have largely been peaceful. He also insisted that the LAPD — which has been under fire for on-the-ground leadership shortfalls during last summer's protests — has made improvements.

"We have strengthened our command in control of leadership from top to bottom as far as what our goals and objectives are in facilitating First Amendment activities: guaranteeing the right to assemble, guaranteeing peaceful and lawful protests," he said. "But also ensuring that — should individuals choose to highjack or try capitalize on a situation and commit acts of violence against officers or commit acts of violence within the community — whether that's acts of arson or breaking into businesses or looting the contents of that — arrests will be certain."

Orange County sheriff's deputies were also readying for potential protests. The sheriff is the "mutual aid coordinator" for the county, so deputies are working with all of the county's police agencies to "ensure personnel are available to protect the First Amendment rights of those wishing to have their voice heard peacefully, and to protect life and property," according to a statement from the sheriff's department.

Orange County's sheriff has a "response team of more than 150 personnel available on a call-out basis," according to the department.

The team is specially trained in crowd management and trains local law enforcement officers. Last year, the sheriff responded to about 60 protests in the county.