WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. Shootings are up 87%. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . 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. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. 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. His application remained on file, however. 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. He recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. 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. Wed be foolish not to at least look and see what we got.. 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. Fergusons Algiers home emerged unscathed, aside from losing power. 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. 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. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. 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. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. 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. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 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. 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. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 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. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. 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. We dont have to go anywhere.. 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 just kind of hit it off from there.. 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 said the timing was unrelated to the charter amendment, and instead cited some challenges within my family and challenges with myself health-wise. 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. 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. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. 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. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. THIS IS MY DECISION. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Hem; Artiklar; Nummer. 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. Submit request online Ferguson was sworn in as . The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. 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. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. "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. 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. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. (504) 658-4000 ", "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 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. 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. 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. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc., where she has dedicated 28 years of service. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. You have permission to edit this article. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). 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. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. I had a little knowledge of some of the players out there, Ferguson said. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. 2021. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. Commercial audiobook. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. Other Glovers attended Central Citys First Emanuel Baptist Church with him. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson, Sr. acknowledges the L.B. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. #NOLA. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. "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. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Good luck brother.. 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. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. As the number of officers started to go down, we saw a violent crime surge in the city - up 136% over the last three years. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT DISAGREES. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. NOPD Supt. The situation was perfect to accomplish that goal, said Donovan Livaccari, attorney for the local Fraternal Order of Police, noting the pressure from the council. 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. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. 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. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. COVID hit. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. He will be sworn in Friday. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. Access open City data via download or API. 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. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. 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. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . AND RIGHT NOW, FERGUSON TELLS US HE HAS NO PLANS ONCE HE OFFICIALLY RETIRES ON DECEMBER 22ND. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. We just stayed together. Before then, Serpas sat in the superintendent's seat for a little more than 4 years. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. 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. The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." 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 definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. 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. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. The best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. 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 .