"I just hope that nothing is done in the selection of this new chief that would make the public lose confidence in the city, and city leadership," said King. We dont have to go anywhere.. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his rise to NOPD chief, BY MATT SLEDGE AND RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | [email protected] [email protected], Domestic violence charges against NOPD chief's son dropped; case was set for trial Monday, Witness to Mardi Gras killings on initial silence: 'I was trying to kill' shooters, avenge family, Former New Orleans police chief unanimously confirmed as Baltimore's new police commissioner, For the 3rd straight year, New Orleans sees a steep drop in murders, Who is Jonette Williams? In the late 1990s, the neighborhood still had a lingering distrust of the police from the notorious Algiers 7 police shootings that left four black people dead as officers hunted for the killer of a white cop in 1980. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern . "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. 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. 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. Leave an email address and we'll do our best to respond! 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. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. Commercial audiobook. 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 City of . Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. Cantrell made no mention of a pick as she delivered her State of the City address Wednesday evening. 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. 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.". By Chris Miller. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. 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. 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. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. Shootings are up 87%. And thats what this is all about.". As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. This is my decision. Some officers saved lives while others took them or deserted their city. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. 2 in rank at the department. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. 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Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. All rights reserved. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . Unrated. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. "Its time to go home. 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. 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. My parents were not comfortable with me being on the job.. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". 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. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Woodfork is a graduate of St. Marys Academy High School. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. 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. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. 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. 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. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. 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. Ferguson will retire at year's end. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. 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. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. 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. 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. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. ", "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.". 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. 2021. 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. Cantrell led the Broadmoor Improvement Association at the time. COVID hit. Access open City data via download or API. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. shaun ferguson is replacing former chief michael harrison, who resigned, taking a new post in baltimore the nopd says the arrest stems from a domestic dispute th happened over the weekend. 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. E-mail [email protected]. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. 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. 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. We just stayed together. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. 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. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. 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. 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 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. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 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. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 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 did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. 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. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. 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. 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. 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. He has held the position for the past six months. By Ken Daley. Other Glovers attended Central Citys First Emanuel Baptist Church with him. You have permission to edit this article. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. 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. 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. 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. Hes just a really sincere person. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. 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. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. 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. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. Good luck brother.. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. His . Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. "I was not forced out. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. You cant ignore he just kept getting one left hook after another.. His application remained on file, however. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. 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. 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. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Ferguson later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. The appointment would be a historic move. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. 2018. 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. You have permission to edit this article. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. 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. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. 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. 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. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. 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. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Submit request online I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. 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. How are you making out? Ferguson wrote. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Earlier this week, Supt. AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. New Orleans, LA 70119, Hours of Operation 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. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. 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. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. 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 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. Ferguson said that when he finally sat down in his office at the 4th District, he looked back on a profession that had started as just a job but became a calling. 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. Landry-O.P. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. 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. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. Crimestoppers wants your information, not your name.
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