Officer Darren Wilson to be “Eased Out” of Ferguson Police Dept.; Police Chief Denies Report that he Will Resign

Police officers work to keep order as demonstrators express their feelings on August 18, 2014 in Ferguson, Missouri. Violent outbreaks have taken place in Ferguson since the shooting death of unarmed teenager Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer on August 9th. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson is reportedly expected to be “eased out” of the department.

A source tells MSNBC that Wilson – who fatally shot Michael Brown that touched off months of protests – will be “eased out” of the Ferguson Police Department and might resign. The report also stated Chief Thomas Jackson would resign, but the department said that is not true.

“Ferguson Chief says he has not resigned, he has not been told to resign. He has not been fired. If he leaves, it will be his choice alone,” the department posted on Twitter.

Ferguson Chief says he has not resigned, He has not been told to resign. He has not been fired. If he leaves, it will be his choice alone. — Ferguson Police Dept (@FPD_PUBLIC_INFO)October 29, 2014

Jackson also denied the report to NBC News.

“I have not been asked to resign, I have not been fired, and I will not be resigning next week. If I do resign, it will be my choice,” Jackson said.

MSNBC reports that the St. Louis County Police Department is expected to take over the Ferguson Police Department. The source told MSNBC that plans are “extremely delicate” right now.

A government official confirmed Wednesday that there are discussions among Missouri officials about having Jackson step down as part of efforts to change the department. The official was not authorized to discuss those talks by name and spoke on condition of anonymity.

Attorney General Eric Holder said Wednesday that there was an obvious need for “wholesale change” in the Ferguson Police Department.

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SOURCE: CBS / AP