You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". 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. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. He recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. Unrated. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. 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. Cantrell told him she hated to see the neighborhood blighted. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN 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. He will be sworn in Friday. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. 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.". New Orleans police hiring civilians to give traffic citations, respond That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. 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. 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. We just kind of hit it off from there.. 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. 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. 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. 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. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. The appointment would be a historic move. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. All rights reserved. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson, Sr. acknowledges the L.B. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. Officer lied on police report dui - seu.mamanonmamapienza.it 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. NOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY HE ADDRESSED THAT EARLIER TODAY. I will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. "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. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. Landry-O.P. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. NEW ORLEANS In a seismic shake-up that has been widely rumored for months, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson is . That is who I am. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. 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. 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. Shaun Ferguson, veteran of Uptown policing, chosen as new NOPD It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. 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. By Chris Miller. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. 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. 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. J.P. Morrell repeats call to replace NOPD Chief Ferguson 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. 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 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. 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. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. 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. 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. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. 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. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. 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. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. 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. We dont have to go anywhere.. 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. 715 South Broad St He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. 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. 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. You have permission to edit this article. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. 2018. Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. 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. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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. 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 also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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 said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. 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. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. His application remained on file, however. "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. The 21-year-old was booked into the Orleans Justice Center jail on a charge of domestic-abuse battery, WDSU 6 reported, citing inmate booking information from the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office. 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. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. 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. 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. But his record is not without a blemish. 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. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. 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. 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. 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 joined the NOPD in December 1998. Harrison served 4 years. Cantrell, Ferguson announce sweeping changes at NOPD Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. 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. 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. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork Its called accountability, he said. Retiring New Orleans chief saw ranks thin, crime rise 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. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. 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. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. 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. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. 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. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Good luck brother.. 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. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. THIS IS MY DECISION. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. In a statement, Ferguson . 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. "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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. 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. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] 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.. New Orleans police superintendent retires amid controversy in America's New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. Chief Shaun Ferguson announces retirement | WGNO.com June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol 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. NOPD Supt. 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. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. COVID hit. 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. 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. 3 Reasons The Mayor Should Choose Shaun Ferguson's Successor RIGHT NOW Copyright 2022 WVUE. 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. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". 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. 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SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. There was a problem saving your notification. Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 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. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. 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. Charles Southall, describes Ferguson as an upstanding community person and a man of faith.. 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. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. It was too perilous. 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'. View online City tools and other City websites. His . NOPD Supt. 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. 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. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". 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. Hes just a really sincere person. "We all loved Everett and we owe it to his memory to do what we can to make sure his. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. "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. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. 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 was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. 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. Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 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. Click Here to report it. 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.