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. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". 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. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. 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. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. Harrison served 4 years. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. 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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 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. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. NOPD Supt. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. Unrated. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. His application remained on file, however. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. We would go and take our showers there, he said. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. 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 will retire at year's end. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. There was a problem saving your notification. 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. 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.. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. The right process will find the best people. (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? 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. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. There werent many favorites. Its called accountability, he said. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. He will be sworn in Friday. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. Another car crashed into his NOPD cruiser. BUT IT STARTS, AS I SAID LAST WEEK WITH COMMUNICATION. 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 recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. This is New Orleans. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. 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. 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. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. Now Ferguson must apply those lessons to controlling crime in a city that is still one of the nations most violent, while implementing a highly complex, federally mandated reform plan designed to keep something like the Algiers 7 shootings from ever happening again. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. Ferguson said his commitment to accountability does not conflict with caring for officers, even ones who have fallen under criminal suspicion. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. 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. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. 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. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. shaun ferguson nopd wife. (504) 658-4000 If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. 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. 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 . Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. New Orleans Police Department Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, 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. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. 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. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. Saatva Mattress Review: Our Pick for the Best Overall Bed of 2023, We Found 12 Cute Planters and Flower Pots That Cost Less Than $25, Here's Where to Watch and Stream Marvel's 'Ant Man and the Wasp: Quantumania' Online. 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. "The City of . The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. 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 he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". Good luck brother.. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. ", "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.". What began as a simple salary data search on officers in the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has led to a months-long undercover sting operation and has recently ended with cop suspensions, a . NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. 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 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. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". He worked for a time as a supervisor in the homicide division. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. 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. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. 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. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. 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. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. 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. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. 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. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. 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. 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.. "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. 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. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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.. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. 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. 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 . Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. 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. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 9 talking about this. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. See a spelling or grammar error in our story? Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. All rights reserved. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. 113 talking about this. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. By Chris Miller. 715 South Broad St Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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. 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 quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. 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. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. 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. The department came calling again in 1998. His . InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. 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. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. 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. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. And thats what this is all about.". . His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 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'. 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 shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. 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. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. 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. 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. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. Well change as we need to change, he said. 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. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. 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. 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. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. It was too perilous. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. 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. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. 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.
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