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. Please include the headline. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." 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. The best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. You have permission to edit this article. 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. Beat cop Shaun Ferguson was patrolling near the Fischer housing development after midnight in 2001 when he heard the words that still haunt him crackle over the radio. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. Earlier this week, Supt. 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. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". I WAS NOT FORCED. 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.. 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. 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. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. 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. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. Well change as we need to change, he said. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted . She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. It was too perilous. 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. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. But the fellow officers brush with death became a formative experience for Ferguson, and one he still remembers clearly nearly two decades later after being sworn in recently as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. We would go and take our showers there, he said. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. "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. 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. And thats what this is all about.". Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office also released Fergusons booking photo Wednesday morning, and it has been added to the story. New Orleans Police Department The right process will find the best people. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. 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. Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. Overall, Ferguson's work history, coupled with interviews with fellow cops, community members and other public officials, shows an officer equally comfortable charging through doors as shaking hands. Other questions:[email protected]. 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. Shane Ferguson lives in Algiers and turned himself in at the 4th District police station in Algiers, according to municipal court records obtained by NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. Ferguson currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. You have permission to edit this article. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. 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. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. 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 . 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. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. MondayFriday 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 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. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. "We all loved Everett and we owe it to his memory to do what we can to make sure his. Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time. 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. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Click Here to report it. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. 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. Sitting in his new corner office on the top floor of police headquarters, Ferguson smiled when he was asked about his favorite moments from that first tour of duty. We just kind of hit it off from there.. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. 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. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 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. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. 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.". A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. SOME HAVE SAID IS THE ISSUE WITHIN THE NOPD. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. 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. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. 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. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. 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. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. Harrison served 4 years. He was a 13-year veteran of the NOPD. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. 113 talking about this. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. In 2020, everything changed so cold. 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. 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. 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. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. Ferguson graduated from O. Perry Walker High School in Algiers in 1990, according to his personal history record. 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.. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. 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. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said.