Ferguson, Mo. Police refused to release the name of the officer who shot and killed 18-year-old Mike Brown on Saturday, citing possible danger to the officer and his family.

Ferguson Police Chief Tom Jackson had earlier said he was going to release the officer's name at around noon  Tuesday, but changed his mind after threats were called into his department and to city hall. Jackson said threats came from all over the world through social media.

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The officer in question has been placed on paid administrative leave after fatally shooting Mike Brown.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, Chief Jackson said he considered the safety of the officer in deciding not to release the name.

"There can be legitimate reasons for not releasing the name, and this is classic. When there's a serious threat of danger to the officer, then clearly, this is one of the instances where the value of releasing the name is far outweighed by the risk of harm to the officer and his family," Jackson said.

The police chief added he could be forced to release the name, but only through a proper order.

"If we come out and say, 'it was this officer,' then he immediately becomes a target," Jackson said. "We're taking the threats seriously."

Other Ferguson police officers said Mike Brown's family will have to go to court to compel the department to release the officer's name. The family's lawyer, Benjamin Crump, said they are looking for other options to have the officer identified.

The case has stoked racial tensions in Ferguson, which is predominantly a black neighbourhood, and had led to riots and looting Monday night. Around 32 people were arrested for breaking into shops and looting in a span of five hours beginning at around 9 p.m.

The crowds were calmer by Tuesday morning, but the protest has no signs of dying down soon.

Ferguson police had requested additional forces from other departments in the area to prepare for more riots and violent protests.

For now, some of the protesters have taken to chanting for justice, and people raising their arms in surrender has become a common sign of protest whenever confronted by police in riot gear.

By nightfall Tuesday, people who were walking home after joining the protests were raising their arms and saying, "Don't shoot, we're unarmed," everytime they pass by groups of policemen deployed in different areas around Ferguson.

Witnesses, including Mike Brown's friend who was with him when they were accosted, have said that the teen-ager had his hands raised when the unidentified officer approached with his pistol drawn and repeatedly fired.