9 talking about this. 2 in rank at the department. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. 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. It appears the Mayor might appoint his replacement immediately, in order to avoid the January 1st City Charter change that gives the City Council approval powers. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. 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. 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. The department came calling again in 1998. 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. You have permission to edit this article. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. Ferguson was tasked, in part, with shepherding the department into full compliance with a police reform agreement overseen by a federal judge, and clearing the NOPD from federal oversight. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. 715 South Broad St
According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. Without those raises, there was no way to retain veteran officers who left at historically high levels at a time when recruitment was impaired by COVID. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. This is New Orleans. 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 urged the council and other city leaders to work together and to stop political showmanship and "show up to the table" with open communication and ideas. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. But his record is not without a blemish. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. He said he has no future career plans. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation
We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. NOPD Supt. 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 liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. "I just hope that nothing is done in the selection of this new chief that would make the public lose confidence in the city, and city leadership," said King. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. 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. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. Commander Shaun Ferguson who spent much of his 21-year-career in the New Orleans Police Department in leadership roles in Uptown districts is Mayor LaToya Cantrell's choice to be the department's next chief. 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.. 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. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Ferguson told McMain students at the rally that by spearheading the event and planning a march to City Hall, they demonstrated their leadership to the community. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. "The City of . Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. In the roughly five years between graduating high school and joining the force, he worked as a private security guard and as a maintenance assistant for the Army Corps of Engineers. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. 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. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. 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. He was fair across the board.. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222
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. COVID hit. Beat cop Shaun Ferguson was patrolling near the Fischer housing development after midnight in 2001 when he heard the words that still haunt him crackle over the radio. 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. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. By David Jones. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. Emergency Calls: 911. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Good luck brother.. 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. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). "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. In 2012, Woodfork was selected by former Superintendent Ronal Serpas to launch the Alternative Police Response Unit, where she served as Commander. 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. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. new road legal quad; bungou stray dogs chuuya x reader; Related articles; cookie clicker unblocked the advanced method; 1999 ford f350 crew cab headliner Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. We need a new Chief., 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. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. 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. 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. He urged the council and other city leaders to work together and to stop political showmanship and "show up to the table" with open communication and ideas. NEW ORLEANS In a seismic shake-up that has been widely rumored for months, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson is . Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative. . 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. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 2018. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Overall, Ferguson's work history, coupled with interviews with fellow cops, community members and other public officials, shows an officer equally comfortable charging through doors as shaking hands. I WAS NOT FORCED. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. 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.". Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. 715 South Broad St
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. Click Here to report it. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. "We need to get this right.". 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. 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. He is also a member of the Major Cities Chiefs Association, the Louisiana Association of Chiefs of Police and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. You have permission to edit this article. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of 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.". You have permission to edit this article. The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. 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. 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. 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. SOME HAVE SAID IS THE ISSUE WITHIN THE NOPD. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 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. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. NOPD Supt. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. 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. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. 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. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. 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. "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. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Through a spokesman, Ferguson called the misstatement a typo, adding that he meant to refer to a different metric that did in fact decline according to internal department records. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. NOPD Supt. Hes just a really sincere person. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. 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 was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. Please include the headline. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. You have permission to edit this article. The crucible of Algiers, an area apart from the rest of New Orleans with its own history of violence and police brutality, helped shape the 21-year NOPD veterans approach to the job. 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. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . 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. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED.