CINCINNATI -- In anticipation of closing arguments and deliberations in Ray Tensing's murder trial, the Cincinnati-Hamilton County Regional Emergency Operations Center will activate Wednesday morning.
The interagency and inter-jurisdictional team will gather near the Hamilton County Courthouse at the request of the city of Cincinnati, according to sources within the Cincinnati Police Department and the American Red Cross - Greater Cincinnati Area Chapter.
Testimony wrapped Tuesday with Tensing's own stint on the witness stand. The former University of Cincinnati officer stuck to his initial account of the Mt. Auburn traffic stop in 2015 that ended in the shooting death of Sam DuBose. Tensing is on trial for murder and aggravated manslaughter in DuBose's death.
The ROC assembles for many events throughout the region, including the All-Star Game in 2015, Oktoberfest and more. The coalition would also assemble in the case of natural disasters.
"We do not anticipate any issues related to the Tensing verdict, however due to the high profile nature of the case we are standing up the EOC, which is something we always do in such instances," City Manager Harry Black said. "The EOC is merely one tool in our public safety toolkit that we rely on frequently to monitor and guide our decision making."
There are also signs Downtown that the city is ready should tempers flare. There has been a large police presence all day. Garbage cans near the courthouse have been tethered where possible in order to prevent them from being knocked over.
Jay Warren contributed reporting.
