St. Louis, MO  (KTRS)  Safety precautions are being taken in anticipation of protests following a judge’s ruling in the first degree murder trial of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley in the fatal shooting of Anthony Lamar Smith.

Officers are working twelve hour shifts and the Governor has the National Guard on standby. The threat of protests has also prompted closures of schools.

Classes at Bishop DuBourg High School, St. Mary’s High School, Preclarus Master Academy and Cardinal Ritter College Prep are canceled today. The Alzheimer’s Association Walk that was scheduled for Saturday has been postponed. The Eagleton Federal Courthouse is also closed today.

Meanwhile, Christina Wilson, Smith’s fiancee held a joint news conference with Governor Eric Greitens Thursday night calling for calm. Al Watkins, the Smith family attorney, issued a similar statement.

Activists have warned that there will be civil unrest if Stockley is acquitted.

Judge Timothy Wilson does have leeway in Stockley’s first-degree murder case. He can use his discretion to find Stockley guilty of a lesser charge, such as second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter.

Stockley fatally shot Smith following a police chase in north St. Louis back in 2011.