Governor responds to Department of Justice report on Ferguson

Governor Nixon responded to the Department of Justice report on police fairness in Ferguson.

The report said blacks in Ferguson are disproportionately subjected to excessive police force, traffic stops and citations for petty infractions.

The department has issued several recommendations to improve the police department and court system.

Nixon said, “On August 11, I asked the Department of Justice to conduct an independent investigation following the shooting of Michael Brown. I appreciate their diligent efforts as well as their specific recommendations for how to restore confidence, build trust, and promote greater fairness in the City of Ferguson’s courts and police department.

“Facts exposed in the Department of Justice’s report on the Ferguson Police Department are deeply disturbing, and demonstrate the urgent need for the reforms I have called for, some of which the General Assembly is now considering, including reforms to municipal courts.

“Discrimination has no place in our justice system and no place in a democratic society.All Missourians deserve to be treated with fairness, dignity and respect. That is why I will continue to work to enact policies and legislation that promote greater fairness, equality and inclusion in all our communities.”

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles announced the creation of a civilian police oversight group following the report.

A worker in the Ferguson Police Department was fired after the report documented seven racist emails written by Ferguson Police employees and municipal court officials.

The Justice Department also announced it will not charge officer Darren Wilson in the death of Michael Brown.