George Zimmerman trial: Authorities in Fla. urge people to "Raise your voice, not your hands," as verdict looms

(CBS) SANFORD, Fla. - The Broward Sheriff's Office is working with the Sanford Police Department and other local Florida law enforcement agencies in order to coordinate a response plan in anticipation of a verdict in the trial of George Zimmerman.

PICTURES: George Zimmerman on trial in death of Fla. teen

PICTURES: George Zimmerman crime scene photos

READ: Trayvon Martin Shooting: A timeline of events

In a public service announcement posted on the Broward Sheriff's Office website, children from the Jason Taylor Foundation H.A.N.D.Y. and basketball player James Jones, of the Miami Heat, urge young people to not let their emotions get the best of them.

"Raise your voice and not your hands," the children yell in the video. "Let's give violence a rest because we can easily end up arrested." The message continues, "Let's back up and choose not to act up, and deputies are with us, so no need to act up."

The goal of the video is to reinforce the idea that freedom of expression is a constitutional right and while raising your voice is encouraged, using your hands is not.

"We don't have information about a specific event that might take place at the conclusion of the trial, but we encourage everyone to keep any protests peaceful," Sheriff Scott Israel of the Broward Sheriff's Office said in a statement.

According to the Sheriff's Office, they have been monitoring the situation regarding the upcoming Zimmerman verdict and have been working with community leaders, civic activists and members of the clergy, as well as local, state and federal agencies.

Zimmerman is charged with second-degree murder in the February 2012 fatal shooting of 17-year-old Trayvon Martin. Zimmerman claims he shot the teen in self-defense. If convicted, he could face life in prison.

Closing arguments in the trial could come as early as Friday.

Complete coverage of the George Zimmerman Trial-Trayvon Martin case on Crimesider