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The right process will find the best people. 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. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. Ferguson said the detectives on the case deserve the credit for the arrest and conviction of the suspect, Kendall Harrison, whos now serving a life sentence. 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. 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'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. 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. 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 dont have to go anywhere.. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Jan. 14 announced the 46-year-old Ferguson as her choice to replace former chief Michael Harrison, who has taken a job as police commissioner in Baltimore. 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. According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. 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. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. We were a close-knit unit, Ferguson said of his early days. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. New Orleans Police Department New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. bloomingdale football tickets; party wear saree with stitched blouse Ferguson, along with NOPD 4th District Commander Ceasar Ruffin, appeared alongside Cantrell in August to speak at a peace rally in Eleanor McMain Secondarys gym, to honor slain 15-year-old Chance Smith, a freshman at the school, who was fatally shot by another teen in Algiers on Aug. 18. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. Ed Chervenak, a political scientist at UNO, said that he expects Cantrell to do so, and doubted that it would change her already sour relationship with the council. 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. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. Cantrell revealed Ferguson as her permanent choice on Jan. 14, breaking with the tradition of forming a search committee or appointing an interim chief who would be given time to meet the community before getting the job permanently. 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. "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. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. 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Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. In a copy of his most recent resum,obtained through a public records request after Cantrells announcement, Ferguson claimed that he reduced crime by 10-15 percent within two years as commander of the 4th District. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. Warren Riley served five years as chief, and Eddie Compass served three. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. 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. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. The appointment would be a historic move. New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757 "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. 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. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. 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. 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. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. "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. 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. 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. 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. NOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY HE ADDRESSED THAT EARLIER TODAY. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. 9 talking about this. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. We need a new Chief, period. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina.He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. 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. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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. Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . COVID hit. 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. You have permission to edit this article. 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 said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. "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. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time. Woodfork is a graduate of St. Marys Academy High School. All rights reserved. ", "It is quite possible that this person already exists within NOPD," he said, "but if so, they need to be selected via a process that engenders the most NOPD and community support.". "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. THIS IS MY DECISION. "Its time to go home. 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 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. Published: Dec. 7, 2022 at 9:52 AM PST. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. Richard Pennington, the only NOPD chief since 1980 who didnt rise through local law enforcement ranks, served eight years under former Mayor Marc Morial beginning in 1994, the city's high-water mark for deadly violence. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. Click Here to report it. 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. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. 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. 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. 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'. 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. 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. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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. 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. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. I think Shauns biggest challenge was he continued to be asked to do great things with less and less people each day, and little political support to make recruiting and retention the governments No. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". 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. 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. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. 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. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 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. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. 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. We went out there every day with courage, determination.. 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. "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.". Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. 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. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 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. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. He will be sworn in Friday. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Earlier this week, Supt. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. 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. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. Unrated. 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. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. View online City tools and other City websites. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. 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. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said.