Ferguson is two - thirds black , but 2013 statistics showed blacks over - represented in Ferguson . Of Ferguson 's 53 police officers , three are African - American . Arvid Wilkerson , 22 , said , `` Police do what they want , '' he said . In 2010 , Henry Davis sued the department over alleged use of excessive force . A federal judge ruled against Davis , but he is appealing .
Ferguson is two - thirds black , but 2013 statistics showed blacks over - represented in Ferguson . Of Ferguson 's 53 police officers , three are African - American . In 2010 , Henry Davis sued the department over alleged use of excessive force . A federal judge ruled against Davis , but he is appealing .