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. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. 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. "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. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 And thats what this is all about.". I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. "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.". Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. 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. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. In 2016, she was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, initially assigned to the 7th District before moving to the 2nd District under the supervision of then Commander Shaun Ferguson. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. Cantrell, whom Ferguson praised next only to God for her support of him as police chief, asked that he take the holiday to consider it. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 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. Access open City data via download or API. shaun ferguson nopd wife. Thank you New Orleans! The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. We need a new Chief, period. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. 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. SOME HAVE SAID IS THE ISSUE WITHIN THE NOPD. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. 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. 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. It means the world not just to me personally or him but to the troops in this uniform as well as to our community to know that were still in the right direction, were still going forward.. 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. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. 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. In a statement, Ferguson . 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. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. Updated: Jan 19, 2023 / 03:30 PM CST. 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. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. 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.". 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. 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 . 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. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. 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. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. 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'. "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. 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. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. 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. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. 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. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. This is New Orleans. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. 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. 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 have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. 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. He said he has no future career plans. "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. 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. 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 BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. I will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." "Its time to go home. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. You have permission to edit this article. 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. It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she has dedicated 28 years of service. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. 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, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. 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. 113 talking about this. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. This is my decision. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. 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. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. Emergency Calls: 911. You have permission to edit this article. 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. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. 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. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? Unrated. 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. 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 in a statement. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. 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. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. 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. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. 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. HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. 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. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. 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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. 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. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Charles Southall, describes Ferguson as an upstanding community person and a man of faith.. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans, where he also received a Masters Degree in Criminal Justice. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. 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 gave this city his very best - the safety and . 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. Ferguson graduated from O. Perry Walker High School in Algiers in 1990, according to his personal history record. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. 715 South Broad St 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. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. Between 2004 and 2007, he worked "persons crimes" in the 3rd and 8th districts, which respectively patrol areas such as Gentilly and the French Quarter. . He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. He opened it up to fellow officers. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. A policewoman had a hand in killing her partner and two others during a botched robbery at a New Orleans East restaurant, and a policeman had a hit man murder a woman who had filed a brutality complaint against him. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. 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 has held the position for the past six months. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. NOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY HE ADDRESSED THAT EARLIER TODAY. 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. 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. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. 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. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. Good luck brother.. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. 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 paused and let out a deep breath before responding. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. 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. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Nummer 2 - 2018; Nummer 1 - 2018; 2017. So far, Ferguson has not announced any major changes to his predecessors approach to violent crime or to the departments reform agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice, called a consent decree. 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. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. Richard Pennington, the only NOPD chief since 1980 who didnt rise through local law enforcement ranks, served eight years under former Mayor Marc Morial beginning in 1994, the city's high-water mark for deadly violence. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . The son of the newly sworn-in head of the New Orleans Police Department was arrested Tuesday (Jan. 22) in connection with a domestic dispute that occurred over the weekend, according to NOPD spokesman Andy Cunningham.