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. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. All rights reserved. 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.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. 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. 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. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. Another car crashed into his NOPD cruiser. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. 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. 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. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. 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. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. 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. 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. We need a new Chief, period. Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. #NOLA. Nummer 6 - 2017; Nummer 5 - 2017; Nummer 4 - 2017; Nummer 3 - 2017; Nummer 2 - 2017 Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. We just stayed together. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. Ed Chervenak, a political scientist at UNO, said that he expects Cantrell to do so, and doubted that it would change her already sour relationship with the council. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. Earlier this week, Supt. 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. View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. 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. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. He said he has no future career plans. He said the timing was unrelated to the charter amendment, and instead cited some challenges within my family and challenges with myself health-wise. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. Hes just a really sincere person. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. 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. 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. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. 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. SOME HAVE SAID IS THE ISSUE WITHIN THE NOPD. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. 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 was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. 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. He recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. BUT IT STARTS, AS I SAID LAST WEEK WITH COMMUNICATION. 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. 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. 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. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? The right process will find the best people. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. NOPD Supt. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. I was not forced out. 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. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. 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 . Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. MondayFriday Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. The appointment would be a historic move. Investigators said Ferguson was on duty as the 2nd District commander on March 28, 2016, when he blew through a stop sign at Eighth and St. Thomas streets obscured by an overgrown tree. 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. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. "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. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. 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. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative. Nummer 2 - 2018; Nummer 1 - 2018; 2017. 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. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. 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. "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.". Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. 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. Ferguson, along with NOPD 4th District Commander Ceasar Ruffin, appeared alongside Cantrell in August to speak at a peace rally in Eleanor McMain Secondarys gym, to honor slain 15-year-old Chance Smith, a freshman at the school, who was fatally shot by another teen in Algiers on Aug. 18. But his record is not without a blemish. I encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office also released Fergusons booking photo Wednesday morning, and it has been added to the story. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. 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. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. 9 talking about this. Click Here to report it. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. 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.. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". He was fair across the board.. 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. ", "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.". He gave this city his very best - the safety and . "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 715 South Broad St There was a problem saving your notification. NOPD Supt. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. 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. Submit request online NEW ORLEANS In a seismic shake-up that has been widely rumored for months, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson is . 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. Good luck brother.. 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. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. 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. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his rise to NOPD chief, BY MATT SLEDGE AND RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | msledge@theadvocate.com rvargas@theadvocate.com, Domestic violence charges against NOPD chief's son dropped; case was set for trial Monday, Witness to Mardi Gras killings on initial silence: 'I was trying to kill' shooters, avenge family, Former New Orleans police chief unanimously confirmed as Baltimore's new police commissioner, For the 3rd straight year, New Orleans sees a steep drop in murders, Who is Jonette Williams? If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. Woodfork is a graduate of St. Marys Academy High School. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. "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. shaun ferguson nopd wife. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. 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. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. He has held the position for the past six months. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. He has a reputation for integrity and being a crime fighter, said Peter Scharf, a criminologist at LSU School of Public Health, who spoke about Ferguson last week in an interview about the then-prospective candidate. (504) 658-4000 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. 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. Shane Ferguson lives in Algiers and turned himself in at the 4th District police station in Algiers, according to municipal court records obtained by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. In a statement, Ferguson . Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue.