The fallout from the recent U.S. Department of Justice report continues. Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson has announced that he is stepping down from his position. The decision comes in the wake of the resignation of two other top Ferguson officials. Earlier this week both the head of the municipal court, Judge Ronald Brockmeyer; and the city manager,John Shaw, both resigned after being named in a scathing DOJ report that revealed extensive racism and discriminatory practices against the Black community of Ferguson.
Jackson will leave his post effective March 19, 2015, per a mutual agreement with the city. “It is with profound sadness that I am announcing I am stepping down from my position as chief of police for the city of Ferguson, Missouri … it has been an honor and a privilege,” Jackson said.
Johnson has over 30 years in law enforcement with the St. Louis County Police Department, serving as commander of a drug task force and SWAT team supervisor. He took over the job of police chief in Ferguson to end his career with a smaller police department. But Johnson will not leave empty handed, he is expected to receive a severance payment and health insurance for one year. According to Ferguson officials, a nationwide search will be undertaken to find a replacement.
