LR police 'respectfully recognize' Ferguson decision, urge peaceful demonstrations

The Little Rock Police Department says it "respectfully recognizes" a grand jury's decision not to indict a Ferguson police officer in the fatal shooting of an 18-year-old and is encouraging residents here to demonstrate peacefully if they choose to do so.

Lt. Sidney Allen issued a statement a short time after a prosecutor announced the grand jury's decision not to indict officer Darren Wilson in the shooting of Michael Brown.

Allen wrote that the agency "fully respects every individual's right to assemble and peacefully demonstrate."

"The decision not to indict Officer Wilson may not be the decision you wanted, but it is a decision that the Little Rock Police Department respectfully recognizes," Allen wrote. "We encourage you to respect the rights of others if you choose to demonstrate your frustrations with the decision."

Allen wrote that police "will allow peaceful demonstrations" but "will not accept or tolerate destructive unlawful behaviors."

"We fully expect the city of Little Rock to be a shining example of how a city can voice its frustrations peacefully," he added.