Ferguson police chief resigns

In the wake of a US Justice Department report revealing widespread racially biased abuses in the city's police department, police chief of Ferguson, Missouri, resigned on 11 March.

Since the findings of the report were made public on 4 March, several Ferguson city officials have stepped down with the resignation of police chief Thomas Jackson being the latest.

"I believe this is the appropriate thing to do at this time," said Jackson. "This city needs to move forward without any distractions."

In his resignation letter, Jackson has said, reported Sky News: "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this great city and to serve with all of you.

"I will continue to assist the city in anyway I can in my capacity as private citizen."

Ferguson City Manager John Shaw earlier resigned on 10 March and the Municipal Judge Ronald Brockmeyer also stepped down on 9 March, reported Reuters.

Three other police department and municipal court employees left their jobs last week since the report was released.

Ferguson Mayor James Knowles has denied rumours that he is planning on resigning.

The report revealed Ferguson police and court systems had been operating as a money-making enterprise heightening tensions among residents.

Ferguson was taken over by unrest following 18-year-old Michael Brown's shooting on 9 August last year with protesters calling for 57-year-old Jackson to step down.

Brown was shot by police officer Darren Wilson who was has maintained he acted in self-defence.

Wilson was cleared by a grand jury and the Justice Department of wrongdoing but Brown's family has said they will file a civil wrongful death lawsuit against both Ferguson and Wilson.

Jackson has served as police chief since he was appointed by the city manager in 2010.

His departure will be effective starting 19 March and he will be entitled to a health insurance for one year, the city said in a statement on 11 March.