IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Keen to name a successor quickly, Cantrell summoned Ferguson to her office on Jan. 9, two days after Harrison informed her he was leaving. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. HE SAYS DESPITE RECENT CRITICISM AND POLITICAL PRESSURE, HE CHOSE TO RETIRE AT THE END OF THE YEAR. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". 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.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. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. His . Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. I WAS NOT FORCED. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. 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 . Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. 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. Several sources have said Cantrell has long been eager to name a Black female police chief as part of her legacy. 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. 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. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. Ferguson said his commitment to accountability does not conflict with caring for officers, even ones who have fallen under criminal suspicion. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. 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. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. 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. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. Unrated. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. 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. U.S. District Judge Susie Morgan earlier this year pumped the brakes on plans to move the NOPD into a two-year offramp from federal oversight. Ferguson was sworn in as . Thank you New Orleans! Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. Between 2004 and 2007, he worked "persons crimes" in the 3rd and 8th districts, which respectively patrol areas such as Gentilly and the French Quarter. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. 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. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. We need a new Chief., 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. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson was hand-picked by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New . Copyright 2022 WVUE. Ferguson later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. Hem; Artiklar; Nummer. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. 715 South Broad St He will be sworn in Friday. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. 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 in a statement. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. There was a problem saving your notification. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. 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. Well change as we need to change, he said. Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. In a statement, Ferguson . His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. 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. 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. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he 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. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. NOPD Supt. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. We just stayed together. Hes just a really sincere person. 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. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. Nummer 2 - 2018; Nummer 1 - 2018; 2017. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. Scharf said Ferguson was mentored by current NOPD Deputy Chief of Operations Paul Noel, an advocate of data-and technology-driven policing whos seen as No. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. 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 will be sworn in Friday. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. By Chris Miller. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. BUT IT STARTS, AS I SAID LAST WEEK WITH COMMUNICATION. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. He opened it up to fellow officers. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". His application remained on file, however. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. Ferguson will retire at year's end. We just kind of hit it off from there.. 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. "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. Click Here to report it. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. 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. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. But his record is not without a blemish. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department on Jan. 18, 2019. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. 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. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. Good luck brother.. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. Updated: Jan 19, 2023 / 03:30 PM CST. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol This is my decision. I will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. "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. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. 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. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. 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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. 113 talking about this. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. 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 said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. By David Jones. You have permission to edit this article. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. 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. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. 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. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. What began as a simple salary data search on officers in the New Orleans Police Department (NOPD) has led to a months-long undercover sting operation and has recently ended with cop suspensions, a . 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 (WVUE) - Adamant that he was not pressured to leave his post as the NOPD's superintendent, a solemn and sometimes emotional Shaun Ferguson on Wednesday (Dec. 7) said his decision to . 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. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. 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. Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. 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. Harrison served 4 years. Shootings are up 87%. We would go and take our showers there, he said. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. Please include the headline. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. 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 storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. Other Glovers attended Central Citys First Emanuel Baptist Church with him. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. 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. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. Those leadership attributes may have won the notice of then-Superintendent Ronal Serpas, who named Ferguson as commander of the 4th District in 2014 to replace a captain who had been sidelined amid an internal investigation. Earlier this week, Supt. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". 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.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. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. 2021. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. 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. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. 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. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. 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. 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 said his decision to retire was an emotional one. 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. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. Woodfork is a graduate of St. Marys Academy High School. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. 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. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. 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. 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. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. 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. 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. Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. 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. 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 was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. The right process will find the best people. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. 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. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. 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.
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