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 have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. In a statement, Ferguson . 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. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau.Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. 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 faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. We need a new Chief, period. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. Hes just a really sincere person. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. shooting in gentilly new orleans Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. 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. 2018. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Ferguson's final walk and salute will be held outside of Gallier Hall on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m.About Ferguson: Sources say Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Fergusons first commander assignment was in the 4th District, which polices Algiers and has often been the starting ground for lieutenants who have been promoted to commander. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. And thats what this is all about.". "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. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. 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. They stayed connected while Ferguson moved between posts. 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. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Charles Southall, describes Ferguson as an upstanding community person and a man of faith.. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. 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. My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork He worked for a time as a supervisor in the homicide division. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. He has held the position for the past six months. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. MondayFriday 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. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. You have permission to edit this article. 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. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. Algiers was a tough place to be a cop as Ferguson was moving up the ranks, and developing relationships with the community while remaining tough on criminals was a daily battle. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. He opened it up to fellow officers. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. 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. 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. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Good luck brother.. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. There was a problem saving your notification. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 (504) 658-4000 HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. 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. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. 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. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. Submit request online On Monday morning, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and Deputy Chief Superintendent John Thomas met for a press conference to discuss the incredibly violent weekend in the city. She has a long family history of law enforcement careers, including her father, who joined the force in 1968 as a cadet, and her uncle Warren G. Woodfork Sr., who was appointed as the first African American Superintendent of the NOPD. shooting in gentilly new orleans View online City tools and other City websites. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. When muckraking blogger Leigh Ferguson snoops down the wrong alley, she gets swept into X's bloody war with a politically powerful crime lord." Provided by publisher. New Orleans police hiring civilians to give traffic citations, respond "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. 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 . Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. Retiring New Orleans chief saw ranks thin, crime rise "To the men and women of this city, I love you. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. He will be sworn in Friday. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. 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. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted . 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. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. 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. NOPD says hiring more civilians could help lower police response time 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 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. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. 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. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. By Ken Daley. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". #NOLA. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson 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. His . The department came calling again in 1998. 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. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. 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 was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. 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. It was an overwhelming feeling, but Ill never forget it.. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. But his record is not without a blemish. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. Ferguson cited family and health reasons as he addressed the media a day after City Hall announced he will retire on Dec. 22. 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'. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Prior to overseeing the academy, Ferguson served for about three years as commander of NOPDs 2nd District before being moved to the academy assignment in June 2018. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson has announced his retirement Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. 2 in rank at the department. His application remained on file, however. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. 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. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. 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. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. 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. Fergusons tenure he would have reached four years as chief next month -- is fairly standard for New Orleans police chiefs, who serve at the will of the mayor. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his 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. Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. By David Jones. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. 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. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. All rights reserved. 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. 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.