The 21-year veteran was a relative unknown when Mayor LaToya Cantrell tapped him to replace outgoing chief Michael Harrison, who left for the top police job in Baltimore. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. Now Ferguson must apply those lessons to controlling crime in a city that is still one of the nations most violent, while implementing a highly complex, federally mandated reform plan designed to keep something like the Algiers 7 shootings from ever happening again. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). As Superintendent, Chief Ferguson helped shape the NOPD into a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient department, capable of repairing the broken rapport between the NOPD and our citizens and business owners. City Council President Helena Moreno released the following statement: Superintendent Ferguson faced significant challenges over the past several years, and I want to thank him for his hard work and dedication to the people of our City. Ferguson's final walk and salute will be held outside of Gallier Hall on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. Sources say Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Please include the headline. #NOLA. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. There werent many favorites. Still, for the remainder of the month the mayor has the authority to pick her own police chief without running the choice by the council. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Ferguson's final walk and salute will be held outside of Gallier Hall on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.About Ferguson: Sources say Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office also released Fergusons booking photo Wednesday morning, and it has been added to the story. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. Hurricane Ida and civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minnesota added to a grim scenario for police, Ferguson noted, as he urged the public and media to "look at the glass half full.". 9 talking about this. Between 2004 and 2007, he worked "persons crimes" in the 3rd and 8th districts, which respectively patrol areas such as Gentilly and the French Quarter. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Well change as we need to change, he said. shaun ferguson nopd wife. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. Ferguson said that when he finally sat down in his office at the 4th District, he looked back on a profession that had started as just a job but became a calling. Cantrell told him she hated to see the neighborhood blighted. Cantrell, whom Ferguson praised next only to God for her support of him as police chief, asked that he take the holiday to consider it. Emergency Calls: 911. On Monday morning, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and Deputy Chief Superintendent John Thomas met for a press conference to discuss the incredibly violent weekend in the city. Prior to overseeing the academy, Ferguson served for about three years as commander of NOPDs 2nd District before being moved to the academy assignment in June 2018. At the time of his appointment to Chief, he was serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation
"Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. new road legal quad; bungou stray dogs chuuya x reader; Related articles; cookie clicker unblocked the advanced method; 1999 ford f350 crew cab headliner In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. "I am grateful for the opportunity we had to work so closely together to improve our citys public safety through a collaborative, holistic approach and through working in tandem with other City departments. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. As Superintendent, Chief Ferguson helped shape the NOPD into a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient department, capable of repairing the broken rapport between the NOPD and our citizens and business owners. Those leadership attributes may have won the notice of then-Superintendent Ronal Serpas, who named Ferguson as commander of the 4th District in 2014 to replace a captain who had been sidelined amid an internal investigation. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. After 24 years of service in a profession that takes a lot out of the individuals who answer this call, it is time for me to take a step back and place more priority on my family and my own well-being. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. She has a long family history of law enforcement careers, including her father, who joined the force in 1968 as a cadet, and her uncle Warren G. Woodfork Sr., who was appointed as the first African American Superintendent of the NOPD. While this is a family matter, Chief Ferguson wants to be clear that the NOPD will conduct a proper and complete investigation just like we do in every case, Cunningham said. Ferguson said it was time to focus on family, and he felt confident that he had made a difference in his time with the police department. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. 113 talking about this. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. Since then, the city has faced countless challenges the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, two major hurricanes, a global pandemic, global inflation and a nationwide shortage of public safety personnel that New Orleans was certainly not immune to. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. He worked for a time as a supervisor in the homicide division. Ferguson was hand-picked by Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New Orleans.Ferguson was chosen to lead the department after former Superintendent Michael Harrison announced he was leaving New Orleans to become the police commissioner in Baltimore. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. NOPD Supt. bloomingdale football tickets; party wear saree with stitched blouse Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Fergusons first commander assignment was in the 4th District, which polices Algiers and has often been the starting ground for lieutenants who have been promoted to commander. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. Cantrell's statement about Ferguson's retirement can be read below: "The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans, where he also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. Ferguson later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson Sr., left, and outgoing chief Michael Harrison, salute one another during the final walk and swearing-in ceremony at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan . We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Ferguson was chosen to lead the department after former Superintendent Michael Harrison announced he was leaving New Orleans to become the police commissioner in Baltimore. He also thanked Cantrell for supporting him throughout his tenure as chief, saying she often stood by his side when others called for him to stand down. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today, Moreno said in a statement following the announcement. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. That is who I am. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Adamant that he was not pressured to leave his post as the NOPD's superintendent, a solemn and sometimes emotional Shaun Ferguson on Wednesday (Dec. 7) said his decision to retire after 24 years on the city's police force was his and his alone. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. Jacob Lundy, a former NOPD officer who resigned in 2017 after 10 years and works as a criminal justice consultant, worked under Ferguson in the 2nd District when he joined the department. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. Still, Ferguson acknowledged politics as he described a toxic environment right now. He declined to assess Williams as a potential successor while he rattled off names of other NOPD brass he said were qualified to succeed him in the post. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. You have permission to edit this article. This is my decision. Given his deep community ties, Ferguson may have been destined to cross paths with LaToya Cantrell, who began as a neighborhood organizer before becoming a City Council member and then mayor. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. Ferguson will retire at year's end. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:[email protected]. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222
I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. In 2020, everything changed so cold. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). But his record is not without a blemish. HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. Over this last year, the city has seen serious reductions in crime, such as aggravated assaults, sexual assaults, business and residential burglaries and non-fatal shootings. As Superintendent, Chief Ferguson helped shape the NOPD into a strong, trustworthy, professional and efficient department, capable of repairing the broken rapport between the NOPD and our citizens and business owners. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol Access open City data via download or API. The appointment would be a historic move. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. A New Orleans Advocate analysis of the citys 911 database suggests that crime actually rose by 25 percent during Fergusons tenure there, outstripping the citywide 11 percent increase. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. Harrison served 4 years. Earlier in the day, Ferguson expressed gratitude for his nearly four years as the citys top cop as he defended his stewardship of the force in troubled times, while saying the decision to retire was his. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. By Ken Daley. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Ferguson was sworn in as . He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Shane Ferguson, the 21-year-old son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail on a charge of domestic-abuse battery Tuesday night, Jan. 22, 2019. 2021. On Election Day (Nov. 8), New Orleans voters approved a Home Rule Charter change that gives the City Council power to confirm or deny mayoral appointees. Before then, Serpas sat in the superintendent's seat for a little more than 4 years. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Since then, the city has faced countless challenges the Hard Rock Hotel collapse, two major hurricanes, a global pandemic, global inflation and a nationwide shortage of public safety personnel that New Orleans was certainly not immune to. The city brought in a team of consultants last summer from New York City to revamp the shrunken force, as the mayor faced increasing pressure from business leaders for a leadership change at the top of NOPD. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. A 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old female and two 15-year-old females were booked at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on one count of second-degree murder, according to the NOPD. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . Hes just a really sincere person. New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757
City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. We need a new Chief, period. He recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans and also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. He said that the data was not an indictment against officers who work for the NOPD and expressed his appreciation for the officers in the department.Ferguson called the back and forth between him and the DAs office unwarranted, and was firm in his message of the challenges the NOPD faced in regard to violent crime. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. He has a reputation for integrity and being a crime fighter, said Peter Scharf, a criminologist at LSU School of Public Health, who spoke about Ferguson last week in an interview about the then-prospective candidate. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . Moments after dropping his two sons off at their school bus stop, Ainsworth was fatally shot in Algiers Point while trying to defend a woman who was being carjacked. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. He gave this city his very best the safety and wellbeing of each and every resident and visitor was always his top priority, said Mayor LaToya Cantrell in a statement. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. It has just humbled me throughout my career as to how to work with people, and how you should be a brotherhood-sisterhood with each other while taking care of your community.. You have permission to edit this article. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. In the late 1990s, the neighborhood still had a lingering distrust of the police from the notorious Algiers 7 police shootings that left four black people dead as officers hunted for the killer of a white cop in 1980. The situation was perfect to accomplish that goal, said Donovan Livaccari, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police, noting the pressure from the council. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. Scharf said Ferguson was mentored by current NOPD Deputy Chief of Operations Paul Noel, an advocate of data-and technology-driven policing whos seen as No. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche said yesterday that NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson deserves the highest accolades for his handling of the department since the pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests began. Shaun Ferguson, a 24-year veteran of the department announced that he would be stepping down from his post and into retirement to spend more time with his family, effective Thursday, Dec. 22. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson Sr., left, and outgoing chief Michael Harrison, salute one another during the final walk and swearing-in ceremony at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Ferguson also sits on the board of the Jugs Social Club, which organizes the historically black Krewe of NOMTOC's Carnival parade on the west bank. "I would like to extend the most heartfelt thank you to Chief Ferguson for your nearly 25 years of service, selflessness and sacrifice, especially in accepting my appointment of you as Chief in January 2019. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. ", "It is quite possible that this person already exists within NOPD," he said, "but if so, they need to be selected via a process that engenders the most NOPD and community support.". As New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson reflected on his impending retirement while denying he was shoved out, a chorus rose Wednesday for Mayor . He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern . Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his rise to NOPD chief, BY MATT SLEDGE AND RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | [email protected] [email protected], Domestic violence charges against NOPD chief's son dropped; case was set for trial Monday, Witness to Mardi Gras killings on initial silence: 'I was trying to kill' shooters, avenge family, Former New Orleans police chief unanimously confirmed as Baltimore's new police commissioner, For the 3rd straight year, New Orleans sees a steep drop in murders, Who is Jonette Williams?