Ferguson Protest Leaders Ask for Heads Up on Grand Jury Decision

Activists asked Wednesday for advance notice before prosecutors announce whether a Ferguson police officer will face charges in the shooting death of Michael Brown, saying they can help prevent widespread violence if they have 48 hours to prepare for protests.

Members of the Don't Shoot Coalition said at a news conference covered by the Associated Press   that they want to "de-escalate violence without de-escalating action" once a grand jury decides whether to indict Officer Darren Wilson, who is white, for the Aug. 9 shooting of Brown, who was black.

The coalition represents more than 50 organizations including union workers, clergy, anti-war activists and black empowerment groups. Its members are leaders of the protests that erupted across the region after Brown's death and have continued in the three months since.