As the world awaits a decision from a St. Louis grand jury on whether to indict the white police officer who shot and killed Michael Brown, a black teen, in August, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has put the state’s National Guard on the ready.

(ON POLITICMO: Where does Nixon’s authority on this come from?)

On Monday, the second-term Democrat signed an executive order that activated the Missouri National Guard to be ready to support law enforcement in the event of unrest following the announcement of the grand jury’s decision.

“These additional resources will support law enforcement’s efforts to maintain peace and protect those exercising their right to free speech,” Nixon said in a written statement. “The National Guard is well-suited to provide security at command posts, fire stations and other locations as well as perform other functions that will free up law enforcement officers to remain focused on community policing and protecting constitutional rights.”

Last week, at a news conference in St. Louis, Nixon said the National Guard had not participated in any training operations with the local police departments who are in charge of any response. Nixon’s administration said the National Guard will be commanded by Brigadier General Gregory Mason, who served 30 years in the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

(READ Gov. Jay Nixon’s executive order here.)

Nixon said the guard will be a part of maintaining two dual, but likely conflicting goals: keeping people and property safe, “while allowing citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.”

“All people in the St. Louis region deserve to feel safe in their communities and to make their voices heard without fear of violence or intimidation,” Nixon said. “Public safety demands that we are fully prepared for any contingency, regardless of what the St. Louis County grand jury or the U.S. Department of Justice decides.”