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. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. We were a close-knit unit, Ferguson said of his early days. You have permission to edit this article. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. 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. 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. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. 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. 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. Superintendent Shaun Ferguson chastised journalists Tuesday (July 26) for . 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 also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. 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. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . 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 . NPR's Audie Cornish talks with New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson about the summer spike in violence and how the city has changed their policing efforts under a Justice Department order. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. You have permission to edit this article. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. 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. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. 2018. 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. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. There werent many favorites. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. 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. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. NOPD Supt. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. 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. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. "I was not forced out. 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.. Cantrell revealed Ferguson as her permanent choice on Jan. 14, breaking with the tradition of forming a search committee or appointing an interim chief who would be given time to meet the community before getting the job permanently. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Adamant that he was not pressured to leave his post as the NOPD's superintendent, a solemn and sometimes emotional Shaun Ferguson on Wednesday (Dec. 7) said his decision to . 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. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". He gave this city his very best - the safety and . NOPD Supt. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. 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. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department 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. 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. 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. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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? 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. 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. The right process will find the best people. Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office on Monday dropped a domestic violence charge against the son of Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson Sr., left, and outgoing chief Michael Harrison, salute one another during the final walk and swearing-in ceremony at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan . HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. 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. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. 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. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 113 talking about this. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation Fergusons exit comes as a new charter amendment is set to take effect Jan. 1, giving the council the power to confirm or deny mayoral appointments to key posts, including police chief. 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. 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. 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. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. 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. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 2 in rank at the department. Hem; Artiklar; Nummer. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. He said the timing was unrelated to the charter amendment, and instead cited some challenges within my family and challenges with myself health-wise. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. This is New Orleans. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 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.". 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. Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. We would go and take our showers there, he said. "After 24 years of service in a profession that takes a lot out of the individuals who answer this call, it is time for me to take a step back and place more priority on my family and my own well-being. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. MondayFriday She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. 2021. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. We went out there every day with courage, determination.. 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. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. 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. 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. 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. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. 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. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. At the time of his appointment to Chief, he was serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. Moments after dropping his two sons off at their school bus stop, Ainsworth was fatally shot in Algiers Point while trying to defend a woman who was being carjacked. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. 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. "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. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. "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. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson Sr., left, and outgoing chief Michael Harrison, salute one another during the final walk and swearing-in ceremony at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans and also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. 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. 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. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. 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. 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. 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. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. . His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. 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. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. Hes just a really sincere person. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she has dedicated 28 years of service. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. 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. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. 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. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." "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. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. 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. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. He will be sworn in Friday. 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. 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. 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.. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. Thank you New Orleans! The city brought in a team of consultants last summer from New York City to revamp the shrunken force, as the mayor faced increasing pressure from business leaders for a leadership change at the top of NOPD. Ferguson 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. Submit request online He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. 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 was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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.". #NOLA. Shaun Ferguson, a 24-year veteran of the department announced that he would be stepping down from his post and into retirement to spend more time with his family, effective Thursday, Dec. 22. In 2020, everything changed so cold. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. New Orleans Police Department 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. A majority of City Council members were among those chafing at word that Cantrell has already chosen a successor in Jonette Williams, a deputy police chief who would become the first woman to lead the NOPD. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. Harrison served 4 years. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. You have permission to edit this article. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. 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. 9 talking about this. Charles Southall, describes Ferguson as an upstanding community person and a man of faith.. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. View online City tools and other City websites. Other questions that remain include whether Ferguson will be able to see the department through its federal consent decree and extend the recent drop in violent crime.