However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. He will be sworn in Friday. 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. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. The situation was perfect to accomplish that goal, said Donovan Livaccari, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police, noting the pressure from the council. Hes just a really sincere person. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. There werent many favorites. 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.". "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. 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. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. 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. 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. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". You have permission to edit this article. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. By Chris Miller. 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. (504) 658-4000 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. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. 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. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. He didnt have the political support from the political leadership to offer raises to officers that the crime commission and other groups called for in 2020. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. As New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson reflected on his impending retirement while denying he was shoved out, a chorus rose Wednesday for Mayor LaToya Cantrell to look far and wide for a new chief. NOPD Supt. 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. 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. "We all loved Everett and we owe it to his memory to do what we can to make sure his. Submit request online 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. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. He has a reputation for integrity and being a crime fighter, said Peter Scharf, a criminologist at LSU School of Public Health, who spoke about Ferguson last week in an interview about the then-prospective candidate. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. 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. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. 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 later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. 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. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. 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. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. 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.. 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. 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. 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. 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. 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. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Updated: Jan 19, 2023 / 03:30 PM CST. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. 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. 2018. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. 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. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted . This is my decision. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. 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. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. You have permission to edit this article. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 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. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. He will be sworn in Friday. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. 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. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. 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 . 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? "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.". 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. Ferguson also sits on the board of the Jugs Social Club, which organizes the historically black Krewe of NOMTOC's Carnival parade on the west bank. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. 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. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. By Ken Daley. Earlier this week, Supt. 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 City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. 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 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. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. 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. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. 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. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. The department came calling again in 1998. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. It was too perilous. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . 2021. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". 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. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. 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. 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. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. New Orleans Police Department If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. 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. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Landry-O.P. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". This is New Orleans. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Woodfork is a graduate of St. Marys Academy High School. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. 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 was fair across the board.. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. Beat cop Shaun Ferguson was patrolling near the Fischer housing development after midnight in 2001 when he heard the words that still haunt him crackle over the radio. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. We were a close-knit unit, Ferguson said of his early days. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. Shootings are up 87%. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. By David Jones. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. "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. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results.