Ferguson, Mo., police chief says he's not quitting

FERGUSON, Mo., Oct. 29 (UPI) -- Thomas Jackson, police chief of Ferguson, Mo., said reports he has resigned or is being forced out are greatly exaggerated.

Jackson told the St. Louis Post-Dispatch that a CNN story citing unnamed officials is "absolutely not true."

CNN said its sources were familiar with ongoing talks between federal, state and local officials about the future of the police department. It said an announcement that St. Louis County Police would take over in Ferguson as early as next week.

Jackson denied the report.

"Nobody has asked me to resign, nor have I been fired," Jackson said. "If I do resign, it will be my own choice."

Jackson and his department have come under heavy criticism since a Ferguson police officer, Darren Wilson, shot and killed an unarmed young black man, Michael Brown, on Aug. 9. The death inspired large demonstrations with a heavy police response.

Mayor James Knowles III told the Post-Dispatch there are no discussions about letting county law enforcement take over policing in Ferguson.

"He's stayed strong with us till this point," Knowles said of Jackson in a text message. "Don't see that changing."