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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. Ferguson will retire at year's end. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Ferguson was sworn in as . It was too perilous. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. 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. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. Nummer 6 - 2017; Nummer 5 - 2017; Nummer 4 - 2017; Nummer 3 - 2017; Nummer 2 - 2017 As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. 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. 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.. 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. SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. 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. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. A 20-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department is an unconventional contender for the role of top cop not only because of who she isa, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. 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. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. 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. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. Unrated. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". 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. 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. HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. 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 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.". This is New Orleans. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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 will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. 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. 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Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . How are you making out? Ferguson wrote. In 2020, everything changed so cold. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. Commercial audiobook. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. 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. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. His . Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. 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. His application remained on file, however. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. "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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 This is my decision. Ferguson's monthly financial retirement package would be $12,524 if he chooses not to work for a police department following his retirement from the NOPD, according to the Louisiana Municipal Police Employees Retirement System. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. 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. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Earlier this week, Supt. The appointment would be a historic move. 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. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. As a parent of a teenage son and lifelong resident of the City of New Orleans, Woodfork uniquely understands the challenges that the department and the city face as well as the success that can be achieved together. It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. 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. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. #NOLA. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. 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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. 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. 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. 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. 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. 715 South Broad St Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. His tenure as Chief saw the national rise in crime due to the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, but under his diligent leadership, the NOPD persevered. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. He worked for a time as a supervisor in the homicide division. Landry-O.P. "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. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. 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. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Emergency Calls: 911. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. 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. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. Please include the headline. He called the profession of a police officer a "noble calling," saying it was a job that he put before his family for a long time. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 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. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. There was a problem saving your notification. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. 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. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. 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. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. So far, Ferguson has not announced any major changes to his predecessors approach to violent crime or to the departments reform agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, called a consent decree. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. 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.. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. We dont have to go anywhere.. Ferguson cited family and health reasons as he addressed the media a day after City Hall announced he will retire on Dec. 22. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. 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 also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. 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. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." 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. What began as a simple salary data search on officers in the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has led to a months-long undercover sting operation and has recently ended with cop suspensions, a . By Chris Miller. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. In a lengthy interview detailing his career, Ferguson said he was accepted into the police academy, but after talking with his parents, he backed out. 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. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. 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. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. "We all loved Everett and we owe it to his memory to do what we can to make sure his. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. 9 talking about this. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. COVID hit. 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. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. 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.