Holder urges police restraint in Ferguson response

WASHINGTON — Before a decision by a St. Louis County grand jury weighing the fatal shooting of an unarmed teenager by a police officer, Attorney General Eric Holder urged law enforcement authorities Friday to minimize the potential for confrontations during possible demonstrations.

"It is vital to engage in planning and preparation, from evaluating protocols and training to choosing the appropriate equipment and uniforms,'' Holder said in a video message posted on the Justice Department website. "This is the hard work that is necessary to preserve the peace and maintain the public trust at all times— particularly in moments of heightened community tension."

The attorney general, who is overseeing a parallel civil rights inquiry into the shooting of Michael Brown by Officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, issued written guidance to police across the country, identifying "best practices that will help law enforcement officers maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights.''

A decision by the grand jury could come at any time, and authorities have expressed fear that a decision involving the white officer who fatally shot the black teenager could prompt more unrest in the restive St. Louis region.

This week, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon declared a state of emergency and activated the National Guard in preparation for a possible uprising when the grand jury's decision is made public.

The governor directed police "to protect civil rights and ensure public safety in the city of Ferguson and the St. Louis region."

"Over the past few months, we've seen demonstrations and protests that have sought to bring attention to real and significant underlying issues involving police practices, implicit bias and pervasive community distrust,'' Holder said. "And in most cases, these demonstrations have been both meaningful and responsible and have brought vital issues to the attention of the public at large. Similarly, the vast majority of law enforcement officers have honorably defended their fellow citizens engaged in these peaceful protests.''

The attorney general also addressed those who may demonstrate after the decision, calling on them to "adhere to non-aggression and non-violence.''

"And so I ask all those who seek to lend their voice to important causes and discussions, and who seek to elevate these vital conversations, to do so in a way that respects the gravity of their subject matter,'' Holder said.

In addition to the federal civil rights inquiry into the shooting, the Justice Department is conducting a broader review of police operations in Ferguson to determine whether the agency has engaged in a pattern and practice of discriminatory policing.

Contributing: Yamiche Alcindor.