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Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. 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. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office on Monday dropped a domestic violence charge against the son of Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork Submit request online Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." 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. A 17-year-old male, a 16-year-old female and two 15-year-old females were booked at the Juvenile Justice Intervention Center on one count of second-degree murder, according to the NOPD. "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. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police 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. 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. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 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. I encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. 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. The department came calling again in 1998. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. COVID hit. 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. "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. 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. It was an overwhelming feeling, but Ill never forget it.. 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. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. "Its time to go home. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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 . "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. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. In a statement, Ferguson . 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. 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. Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Fergusons tenure he would have reached four years as chief next month -- is fairly standard for New Orleans police chiefs, who serve at the will of the mayor. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan earlier this year pumped the brakes on plans to move the NOPD into a two-year offramp from federal oversight. ", "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.". 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. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. While Ferguson patrolled the French Quarter and Central Business District, colleagues across the river were involved in an incident that reopened the unhealed scars of the Algiers 7 shootings and erased trust the department had rebuilt under Pennington. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. 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. shaun ferguson nopd wife. In 2012, Woodfork was selected by former Superintendent Ronal Serpas to launch the Alternative Police Response Unit, where she served as Commander. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. 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. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. Given his deep community ties, Ferguson may have been destined to cross paths with LaToya Cantrell, who began as a neighborhood organizer before becoming a City Council member and then mayor. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. The appointment would be a historic move. 9 talking about this. 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. 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. 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. 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. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . Without those raises, there was no way to retain veteran officers who left at historically high levels at a time when recruitment was impaired by COVID. 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 shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. 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. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. 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. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, 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. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. Harrison served 4 years. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. While this is a family matter, Chief Ferguson wants to be clear that the NOPD will conduct a proper and complete investigation just like we do in every case, Cunningham said. 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 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. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. 113 talking about this. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. 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. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. 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. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. 715 South Broad St HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. 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 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. 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. NOPD Supt. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. 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, 46, who had been seen as a rising star in NOPD by some observers, has served as a district commander at NOPD since 2014. 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. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. 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 said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. Hes just a really sincere person. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. 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. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. 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. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of 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. 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. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. Ferguson said it was time to focus on family, and he felt confident that he had made a difference in his time with the police department. 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. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. "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. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. #NOLA. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. 2021. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. Nummer 6 - 2017; Nummer 5 - 2017; Nummer 4 - 2017; Nummer 3 - 2017; Nummer 2 - 2017 He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. 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. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. 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. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. "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 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". "I was not forced out. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. Click Here to report it. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents.