2 in rank at the department. Hurricane Ida and civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minnesota added to a grim scenario for police, Ferguson noted, as he urged the public and media to "look at the glass half full.". The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. 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. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. His sons legal problems aside, Ferguson said he is focused on the task of overseeing the roughly 1,200 officers who patrol what is still one of the countrys most dangerous cities. 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. 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. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson was hand-picked by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New . THIS IS MY DECISION. Ferguson said the detectives on the case deserve the credit for the arrest and conviction of the suspect, Kendall Harrison, whos now serving a life sentence. 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. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. This is New Orleans. He will be sworn in Friday. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. 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. 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. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. "Its time to go home. Thank you New Orleans! He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. 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 . Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. Good luck brother.. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPD's next police chief? - NOLA.com Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. 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. Ferguson called the back and forth between him and the DAs office unwarranted, and was firm in his message of the challenges the NOPD faced in regard to violent crime. shaun ferguson 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. There was a problem saving your notification. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. "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. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. Also pushing for a national search was The Nola Coalition, a broad group of business and civic groups formed this year amid an ongoing surge in carjackings, shootings and murder. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. In a copy of his most recent resum,obtained through a public records request after Cantrells announcement, Ferguson claimed that he reduced crime by 10-15 percent within two years as commander of the 4th District. Scharf said Ferguson was mentored by current NOPD Deputy Chief of Operations Paul Noel, an advocate of data-and technology-driven policing whos seen as No. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. New Orleans police chief Shaun Ferguson will retire at end of year (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. 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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. 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. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. 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. 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. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 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. 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. In 2012, Woodfork was selected by former Superintendent Ronal Serpas to launch the Alternative Police Response Unit, where she served as Commander. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. Ferguson, 46, who had been seen as a rising star in NOPD by some observers, has served as a district commander at NOPD since 2014. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. Leave an email address and we'll do our best to respond! Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. 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. 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. Most notably, she received the Purple Heart Letter Award in 2017 after being struck by a drunk driver who plowed his vehicle into a crowd of 30 Endymion parade goers while she was on parade duty. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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.. 113 talking about this. Ferguson was sworn in as . 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. You have permission to edit this article. The best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. 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. 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. 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. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. When muckraking blogger Leigh Ferguson snoops down the wrong alley, she gets swept into X's bloody war with a politically powerful crime lord." Provided by publisher. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. 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 issued the following statement regarding his retirement: "I want to thank Mayor Cantrell and her administration for their constant support over the past four years. 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. The situation was perfect to accomplish that goal, said Donovan Livaccari, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police, noting the pressure from the council. NOPD - Administration - Superintendent of Police - City of New Orleans "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. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. 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. 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. 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. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. . We went out there every day with courage, determination.. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. 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. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after 'domestic dispute' I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson retires "The City of . 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. It was too perilous. 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. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. NEW ORLEANS In a seismic shake-up that has been widely rumored for months, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson is . His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. 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. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. 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. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. 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. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. 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 liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. 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 latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. 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. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. He didnt have the political support from the political leadership to offer raises to officers that the crime commission and other groups called for in 2020. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. Cantrell, Ferguson announce sweeping changes at NOPD Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. Well change as we need to change, he said. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. 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. 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. shooting in gentilly 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. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . 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. Retiring New Orleans chief saw ranks thin, crime rise I was not forced out. I encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. 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. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. Civic leaders push for national search for new NOPD chief, Shaun Ferguson says the decision to retire was his alone, BY JOHN SIMERMAN AND MATT SLEDGE | Staff writers, Mayor LaToya Cantrell gives State of the City address: 'Tired of fightingready to build'.
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