Ferguson shooting: Police chief steps down after probe proves his force was 'racially biased'

After a federal probe found evidence of racial bias against the Ferguson Police Department, its police chief has reportedly agreed to step down from post.

The police department came under scrutiny after a white officer, Darren Wilson, killed an unarmed black teenager, Michael Brown, in August, sparking weeks of protests, reported the BBC.

Police chief Thomas Jackson wrote in his resignation letter, "It has been an honour and a privilege to serve this great city and to serve with all of you."

He had earlier resisted calls from protesters and some state leaders to step down.

The resignation will be effective on March 19. The city has said it would be giving Jackson a severance payment and would pay for his health insurance for one year.

The authorities added that they will conduct a "nationwide search" for a permanent replacement for Jackson who had served as the head of the police department since 2010.

Several other officers have stepped down in the wake of the report.

U.S. authorities have pledged to reconstitute the force, possibly dismantling it.