According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. 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. 2 in rank at the department. As he ascended into the upper tier of NOPD leadership, Ferguson maintained a near-spotless disciplinary record, with the exception of a single sustained complaint three years ago. Earlier in his career, Ferguson had arrested some members of the extended Glover family when they were still kids, and had tried to set them on the right path. 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.. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. We just kind of hit it off from there.. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. Cantrell, Ferguson announce sweeping changes at NOPD Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. 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. 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. NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson discusses violent weekend in the city - WGNO He has held the position for the past six months. It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. 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. 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. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. 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 encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. You have permission to edit this article. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". shooting in gentilly new orleans 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. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. Departing NOPD chief Shaun Ferguson denies he was pushed out | Crime We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. A New Orleans Advocate analysis of the citys 911 database suggests that crime actually rose by 25 percent during Fergusons tenure there, outstripping the citywide 11 percent increase. 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. 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. 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. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. 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. 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. 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. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. "The City of . 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. 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. BUT IT STARTS, AS I SAID LAST WEEK WITH COMMUNICATION. Officer lied on police report dui - seu.mamanonmamapienza.it His . Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. You have permission to edit this article. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. 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. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. We just stayed together. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. (504) 658-4000 For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. He was fair across the board.. Well change as we need to change, he said. 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. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. He will be sworn in Friday. Before then, Serpas sat in the superintendent's seat for a little more than 4 years. 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. 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. 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. He said the timing was unrelated to the charter amendment, and instead cited some challenges within my family and challenges with myself health-wise. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. Also pushing for a national search was The Nola Coalition, a broad group of business and civic groups formed this year amid an ongoing surge in carjackings, shootings and murder. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPD's next police chief? - NOLA.com 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. Talking Book Topics March-April 2023 - National Library Service for the 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. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Updated: Jan 19, 2023 / 03:30 PM CST. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. 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. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Commercial audiobook. 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. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. Ferguson oversaw a department plagued by steep officer losses and few new recruits to replace them, while facing criticism over a lack of a plan to deal with the surge in violence as the force shrank. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. "We need to get this right.". Domestic case dropped against NOPD superintendent's son "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. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. 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. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. The appointment would be a historic move. "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 WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. 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. Viewpoint: Longtime watchdog gives Chief Ferguson an A for handling of 9 talking about this. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. 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 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. Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted . I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. 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. 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. That is who I am. 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. I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. "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. 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. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. 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. Landry-O.P. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson 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. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. "Its time to go home. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. 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 . 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. Other Glovers attended Central Citys First Emanuel Baptist Church with him. It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. Good luck brother.. Click Here to report it. Ferguson later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. 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. His application remained on file, however. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. 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. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. 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. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. 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. 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. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. In August 2015, during jury selection for veteran 4th District Officer Michael Thomassies trial on allegations of raping a 7-year-old girl, Thomassie received a pair of text messages from Ferguson. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. 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. 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. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. 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.". Still, Ferguson acknowledged politics as he described a toxic environment right now. He declined to assess Williams as a potential successor while he rattled off names of other NOPD brass he said were qualified to succeed him in the post. 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. 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. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. Unrated. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson on retirement: "It's time to go home." WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. 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. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. "I was not forced out. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers.