Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. It would be disingenuous to the appointee and the people of this city if there were any attempt to circumvent this process, therefore, I am looking forward to the opportunity to engage the public in a community discussion on this important next step.". After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. 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. He emphasized that he was not forced out and that he spoke about retiring to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before Thanksgiving and even weighed his retirement during the budget hearings. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Ferguson will retire at year's end. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. In a statement, Ferguson . One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." Richard Pennington, the only NOPD chief since 1980 who didnt rise through local law enforcement ranks, served eight years under former Mayor Marc Morial beginning in 1994, the city's high-water mark for deadly violence. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. He emphasized that he was not forced out and that he spoke about retiring to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before Thanksgiving and even weighed his retirement during the budget hearings. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . "I was not forced out. Ferguson cited family and health reasons as he addressed the media a day after City Hall announced he will retire on Dec. 22. THIS IS MY DECISION. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. new road legal quad; bungou stray dogs chuuya x reader; Related articles; cookie clicker unblocked the advanced method; 1999 ford f350 crew cab headliner She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. I was not forced out. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation
NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. 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 LaToya Cantrell to look far and wide for a new chief. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. 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.. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. 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. 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. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. 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. Fergusons exit comes as a new charter amendment is set to take effect Jan. 1, giving the council the power to confirm or deny mayoral appointments to key posts, including police chief. #NOLA. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . As the New Orleans City Council approved the city budget for the upcoming year, including a package of incentives for recruiting and retaining New Orleans Police officer, councilmember at-large J.P. Morrell repeated his desire to see NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson replaced. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. bloomingdale football tickets; party wear saree with stitched blouse BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. She received both a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement from Southern University at New Orleans. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. 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. 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. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. His application remained on file, however. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina.He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. NOPD Supt. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. 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. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. 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. His . The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. But the fellow officers brush with death became a formative experience for Ferguson, and one he still remembers clearly nearly two decades later after being sworn in recently as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern . Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . We dont have to go anywhere.. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. 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. 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. Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. Unrated. 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. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau.Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. It was too perilous. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Nummer 2 - 2018; Nummer 1 - 2018; 2017. woman accused of using aunts debit card for 136 DoorDash orders held on preset $18 million bond, Newly installed Methodist bishop makes Louisiana history, called for Fergusons resignation last week, voters approved a Home Rule Charter change. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. 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. No more getting up trying to see whats going on., A day after her handpicked police chief announced his resignation, and following months of controversies over her use of official perks, Mayor. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. Shootings are up 87%. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . 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 was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office on Monday dropped a domestic violence charge against the son of Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. In August 2015, during jury selection for veteran 4th District Officer Michael Thomassies trial on allegations of raping a 7-year-old girl, Thomassie received a pair of text messages from Ferguson. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted . NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". We can see that Chief Fergusons strong commitment, willingness to consult with other public safety experts and his well-trained police force are making a difference in this city today. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 2018. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. 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. "The City of . IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. 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. Your steadfastness in the face of these challenges and tragedies certainly has been a source of comfort to your fellow officers, affected families and victims and our community overall. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. 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. 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 . It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. Ferguson oversaw a department plagued by steep officer losses and few new recruits to replace them, while facing criticism over a lack of a plan to deal with the surge in violence as the force shrank. You have permission to edit this article. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. 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 . Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. Other questions that remain include whether Ferguson will be able to see the department through its federal consent decree and extend the recent drop in violent crime. Cantrell told him she hated to see the neighborhood blighted. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his rise to NOPD chief, BY MATT SLEDGE AND RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | msledge@theadvocate.com rvargas@theadvocate.com, 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? "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time.