The Ferguson, Missouri, cop who fatally shot unarmed teen Michael Brown is legally allowed to return to active duty if he isn't indicted by a grand jury, according to his boss. But an internal department investigation into Brown’s death would still need to take place to determine whether or not Officer Darren Wilson can come back, Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson told MSNBC. Jackson was earlier quoted by NBC station KSDK on Friday saying that it was unclear whether Wilson would want to return to the St. Louis suburb's force. If the grand jury does return an indictment, Jackson said Wilson would most likely be fired. Wilson is currently on paid leave.

The Aug. 9 shooting of Brown sparked protests that devolved into looting and vandalism, a pattern of disobedience that sparked an aggressive crackdown by police in riot gear and military equipment. On Thursday, lawyers for Brown's family appealed for restraint from both demonstrators and police when a grand jury announces its decision on whether to indict Wilson. Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon has warned that "violence will not be tolerated."

Photos posted to Facebook by Darren Wilson's father show the Ferguson police officer receiving a commendation award. Facebook

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- Jason Cumming