King Case Verdict Release May Be Delayed : Law enforcement: Gov. Wilson says holding up the announcement is one option officials are considering. Contingency plans are being set up for aftermath of the trial.

The announcement of verdicts in the federal trial of the police officers accused in the beating of Rodney G. King may be delayed temporarily to give law enforcement agencies--and possibly the National Guard--time to take to Los Angeles’ streets in an effort to prevent unrest, Gov. Pete Wilson said Thursday.

The governor indicated that the sealing of verdicts was one option under discussion as local, state and federal agencies set up contingency plans for the aftermath of two controversial trials--the ongoing federal trial of the Los Angeles Police Department officers and the scheduled state court trial of three men accused of beating trucker Reginald O. Denny at the outset of last year’s riots.

Wilson’s remarks about the possibility of a delay in announcing the verdicts came as he was questioned by political reporters at a Hollywood breakfast.

“Yeah, I think it has undoubtedly been discussed,” Wilson said. “I think that clearly it makes sense to try to provide as much early warning as possible.”

Asked whether the National Guard, which is under Wilson’s purview, would be on the streets before the verdicts, the governor replied: “They will be there if they are asked for.”

Wilson would not say whether U.S. District Court Judge John G. Davies, who is hearing the King case, had agreed to delay announcing the verdicts. Nor would he say whether Mayor Tom Bradley had requested the Guard’s presence.

“I think that it is clear that it is in the public interest--if there is a concern as there should be and certainly it (is) justified by the events of last spring--that every effort is going to be taken to anticipate the need to have officers on the street and, if necessary, additional force,” the governor said.

The Police Department and National Guard were criticized after the unrest; the Police Department for what many saw as a passive response to early rioting and the Guard for delays in mobilizing because of inadequate preparation.

Wilson’s statements seemed intended to reassure residents that authorities are coordinating their responses to any trouble. But the governor also said he doubted that a show of force by the National Guard would be necessary.

Wilson was the first senior public official to speak openly about potential post-trial strategies. On Thursday, most law enforcement officials continued to refuse comment on the matter, fearful of inflaming public opinion or of losing the tactical benefits of surprise.

The governor’s comments confirmed what sources have said is one option under discussion by agencies that would have to deal with post-trial violence.

Federal law enforcement agencies are known to have requested that the verdicts against the three Los Angeles police officers and one former officer be sealed for some time after they are reached.

Among the options believed to be under discussion are a 24-hour delay in the announcement or a delay until the next morning, both of which would give authorities time to marshal forces.

Davies apparently has not forwarded a decision to law enforcement officials.

Vallee Bunting, a spokeswoman for Bradley, would not discuss whether the mayor has asked Wilson to send in the National Guard before the verdicts are announced. She said the Police Department “is considering a number of contingencies” and that the mayor and Police Chief Willie L. Williams have met repeatedly to discuss their options.

“The mayor has said that he expects a full contingent, a full police presence, on the streets prior to the verdict being announced,” she said.

There are some tactical problems attached to the scenario suggested by Wilson. Theoretically, if the verdicts are sealed, law enforcement officials would not know the outcome. Thus, public officials would have to decide whether to call in a massive police and National Guard presence--an act that in itself could stir up emotions--without knowing whether the verdicts might incite rioting.

Wilson took pains to suggest that the Police Department’s presence may be enough.

“The Guard will be ready,” he said. “I would seriously question whether or not they will be required, but they will be ready.”

He said he was heartened because officials from various agencies are coordinating their response. He singled out Williams for particular praise.

“I have high confidence in Chief Williams,” the governor said. “I think he has given reason to have that confidence.”

The governor cited the Police Department’s rapid response to a December incident at Florence and Normandie avenues, a flash point of the riots. Although some welcomed the rapid show of force, others suggested that the Police Department had overreacted to prove that it would not be as reluctant to move into troubled areas as it had been last spring.

Times staff writer Jim Newton contributed to this article.