Attorney General Eric Holder said Friday that federal officials will provide law enforcement officers with a new guide that will compile “information, tools, and best practices to maintain public safety while safeguarding constitutional rights during First Amendment-protected events.” Speaking in a recorded video, he said the intent is to “minimize needless confrontation” between police and citizens.
He didn't mention Ferguson, Mo., by name in the video, but a grand jury decision is expected soon on whether to indict police officer Darren Wilson for the Aug. 9 fatal shooting there of Michael Brown, 18. The shooting touched off weeks of protests, some violent. Holder said the protests “have the potential to spark a sustained and positive national dialogue,” but cautioned that “as we've seen, durable relationships between the police and their communities do not develop overnight.”