cop union official doesn’t think ferguson officer will be charged

The suburban St. Louis police officer who fatally shot Michael Brown does not expect to face criminal charges from a Missouri grand jury that has been investigating the case for several months, a police union official said Thursday.

Jeff Roorda, business manager for the St. Louis Police Officers’ Association, said he met Thursday with Ferguson officer Darren Wilson, who has remained secluded from the public eye since the Aug. 9 shooting that sparked tense and occasionally violent protests and drew national attention.

Wilson, who was placed on paid administrative leave following the shooting, has been under a lot of pressure and stress but seems confident in the outcome of the grand jury investigation, Roorda said.

“It’s fair to say that neither he nor his defense team expect an indictment,” Roorda said.

The 12-person St. Louis County grand jury has been hearing evidence in the case as the panel weighs whether to indict the white police officer for the black 18-year-old’s death. A decision could come soon, though authorities have not publicized any specific date for an announcement.

Roorda said St. Louis city police have been notified that they are switching to 12-hour shifts starting Saturday, a preparation for a potential uptick in protests.