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. 2018. 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. While Ferguson patrolled the French Quarter and Central Business District, colleagues across the river were involved in an incident that reopened the unhealed scars of the Algiers 7 shootings and erased trust the department had rebuilt under Pennington. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. Emergency Calls: 911. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. We would go and take our showers there, he said. Access open City data via download or API. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. Amid mounting pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position at the end of this year, according to a statement from Mayor LaToya Cantrell. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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.. His application remained on file, however. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative.Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990.Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. 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.. 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 Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Jan. 14 announced the 46-year-old Ferguson as her choice to replace former chief Michael Harrison, who has taken a job as police commissioner in Baltimore. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. We just stayed together. 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. We dont have to go anywhere.. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. Submit request online He said he has no future career plans. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. He will be sworn in Friday. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. NPR's Audie Cornish talks with New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson about the summer spike in violence and how the city has changed their policing efforts under a Justice Department order. 9 talking about this. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. 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. Algiers was a tough place to be a cop as Ferguson was moving up the ranks, and developing relationships with the community while remaining tough on criminals was a daily battle. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. Cantrell made no mention of a pick as she delivered her State of the City address Wednesday evening. It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. 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. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. Sitting in his new corner office on the top floor of police headquarters, Ferguson smiled when he was asked about his favorite moments from that first tour of duty. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. . 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. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. 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. 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. Cantrell revealed Ferguson as her permanent choice on Jan. 14, breaking with the tradition of forming a search committee or appointing an interim chief who would be given time to meet the community before getting the job permanently. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. 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. Well change as we need to change, he said. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. 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. We went out there every day with courage, determination.. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. 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. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. 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 stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. 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. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. By David Jones. I was not forced out. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. It was too perilous. It means the world not just to me personally or him but to the troops in this uniform as well as to our community to know that were still in the right direction, were still going forward.. 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. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. The speedy transition meant the public had little chance to probe Fergusons background before he was named chief, a process that is beginning as he takes the reins. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. The son of the newly sworn-in head of the New Orleans Police Department was arrested Tuesday (Jan. 22) in connection with a domestic dispute that occurred over the weekend, according to NOPD spokesman Andy Cunningham. 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. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson, Sr. acknowledges the L.B. I think Shauns biggest challenge was he continued to be asked to do great things with less and less people each day, and little political support to make recruiting and retention the governments No. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Earlier in his career, Ferguson had arrested some members of the extended Glover family when they were still kids, and had tried to set them on the right path. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. This is my decision. New Orleans Police Department 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. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. 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. ", "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.". 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. 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. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". Equitable Business Opportunities (EBO) Program, Community Assets and Investment, Office of, Homeland Security & Emergency Preparedness, New Orleans Office of, Information Technology and Innovation, Office of, Municipal and Traffic Court of New Orleans, Neighborhood Engagement, Mayor's Office of, New Orleans Municipal Employees Retirement System, New Orleans Recreation Development Commission (NORD), Public Library, New Orleans (Main Branch), NOPD Searching for Suspects in Third District Shooting, MAYOR CANTRELL TO ATTEND U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS WINTER LEADERSHIP MEETING AND ASPEN IDEAS: CLIMATE CONFERENCE IN FLORIDA, Alcoholic Beverage Outlet (ABO) Processing Fee, NOPD InvestigatingHomicidein Fifth District, MAYOR CANTRELL ISSUES STATEMENT ON THE PASSING OF BOB TUCKER, Mayor's Neighborhood Engagement Office Announces Launch of New Civic Leadership Academy Cohort, TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Temporary Lane Closure at 1400 Block of St. Charles Avenue, CITY OF NEW ORLEANS CELEBRATES COMPLETION OF $6.4 MILLION ROADWORK PROJECT IN WEST END, NOPD to Conduct Upcoming Sobriety Checkpoints on March 9, March 16, Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations, Professional Standards & Accountability Bureau, Traffic Signals/Signs/Striping/Streetlights. 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. 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. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 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. 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. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. 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. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. 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. Fergusons tenure he would have reached four years as chief next month -- is fairly standard for New Orleans police chiefs, who serve at the will of the mayor. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. Ferguson will retire at year's end. shaun ferguson nopd wife. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. "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.". 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. He has held the position for the past six months. "The City of . 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. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. And thats what this is all about.". Ferguson said his commitment to accountability does not conflict with caring for officers, even ones who have fallen under criminal suspicion. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. There werent many favorites. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. 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. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. shaun ferguson is replacing former chief michael harrison, who resigned, taking a new post in baltimore the nopd says the arrest stems from a domestic dispute th happened over the weekend. 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. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. As the number of officers started to go down, we saw a violent crime surge in the city - up 136% over the last three years. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. 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. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). 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. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. 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. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. 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. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. "About Jonette Williams:Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District.Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. 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. I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. 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. 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 . Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. The department came calling again in 1998. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. 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. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. The appointment would be a historic move. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. 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. "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. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. A policewoman had a hand in killing her partner and two others during a botched robbery at a New Orleans East restaurant, and a policeman had a hit man murder a woman who had filed a brutality complaint against him. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. 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. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. City Council Vice President J.P. Morrell called for Fergusons resignation last week as the council worked to approve the citys $1.5 billion budget, of which, $25 million would go towards a police recruitment and retention incentive package. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. 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 . 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. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said.