State of emergency declared in Ferguson

Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon (D) is declaring a state of emergency and activating the National Guard in Ferguson, Mo., as a grand jury decides whether to indict the police officer who killed black teenager Michael Brown, Jr.

On Monday, Nixon issued an executive order allowing National Guard commanders to call members into active service. The order establishes a “unified command” for local law enforcement to coordinate their response and gives “command and operational control” for the city to the St. Louis County Police Department.

{mosads}Nixon’s move comes as the city of Ferguson braces for a possible grand jury indictment in the death of Brown, who was shot and killed by a white police officer this summer. The killing sparked days of protests and a police crackdown that gained national attention.

Community members and government officials have urged calm as the city awaits the grand jury decision.

Nixon said earlier that he was prepared to activate the guard to respond to any disturbances. The governor and law enforcement leaders said police officers have been trained on avoiding civil liberties violations.

But community members remain concerned about how law enforcement will act.

A coalition of groups developed “rules of engagement” that they have asked officials to accept. They include providing community groups 48 hours notice before the grand jury decision and asking police to stay away from certain designated safe spaces.

After Brown was shot and killed this summer by police officer Darren Wilson, protesters took to the streets to demand charges.

Local law enforcement responded with what critics said was unnecessary force — deploying tear gas on protesters, carry assault rifles and using armored vehicles.

At times, the protests turned violent. Individuals stole from local businesses and vandalized property. Some community leaders said those responsible were from outside Ferguson and had used the protests as cover for their actions.