The St. Louis County Police Department no longer has policing authority in Ferguson, Missouri, the suburban community that has been swamped with racially charged protests over the shooting of an unarmed black teenager by a white cop last week.

According to Bloomberg News, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon announced Thursday that state troopers will take over security in the primarily Black St. Louis suburb. The multi-force policing will be under the command of Captain Ron Johnson of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, who is also an African American resident in the area.

Tensions in Ferguson developed on Aug. 9 after a police officer shot and killed 18-year-old Michael Brown. Although police say the teen reached for the officer's weapon, several witnesses say that Brown was shot execution style while he was trying to surrender.

"Today is the day that we renew our commitment to bring peace to the families of Ferguson," said Gov. Nixon during a press conference, reports Time. "Operationally the patrol will be the lead agency when it comes to security."

"I understand the anger and fear that the citizens of Ferguson are feeling and our officers with respect both of those," said Capt. Johnson.

During a press conference, Nixon urged police to present a "softer front" on Thursday night. The town has "looked a little bit more like a war zone, and it's not acceptable," he said.

On Wednesday, the Democratic governor released a statement pressing law enforcement officials to "keep the peace and respect the rights of residents and the press during this difficult time."

"There is a certain level of emotion that must be expressed in order for us to reach a higher plane and my sense is that over the last few days there has been a fear to hear," he added, according to National Journal.

"A fear to hear, not just about this action, but about how it fits in a much longer and broader context of a deeper march to justice."