She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. 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. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. Updated: 2:59 PM CST December 6, 2022. 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. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. 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.. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. The right process will find the best people. AT A NEWS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY, HE SAID HIS FAMILY IS AGAIN AT THE HEART OF THIS DECISION. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. View online City tools and other City websites. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. 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. Please include the headline. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. 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. That change does not go into effect until Jan. 1, meaning Cantrell could appoint a new police chief without council approval. Ferguson will retire at year's end. Once again, the old 4th District task force crew leaned on each other. New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. I will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. All rights reserved. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Williams would make history as the first woman to ever become superintendent of the department. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. Shootings are up 87%. Hes just a really sincere person. There werent many favorites. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. 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. 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 said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a news conference in New Orleans on Dec. 7, 2022. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. In 2020, everything changed so cold. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. 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. 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 . "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. But his record is not without a blemish. Before then, Serpas sat in the superintendent's seat for a little more than 4 years. I did not ever imagine myself on the other side of the desk as the commanding officer, he said. View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. 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. "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. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. . 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. We just stayed together. He was fair across the board.. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. 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. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. As the New Orleans City Council approved the city budget for the upcoming year, including a package of incentives for recruiting and retaining New Orleans Police officer, councilmember at-large J.P. Morrell repeated his desire to see NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson replaced. 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. "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. HomeNew Orleans Police Department Administration Superintendent of Police. 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. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. 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. Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. 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. 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. THIS IS MY DECISION. 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 just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. As they walked side by side during a neighborhood "walk against crime" one day, he noticed her picking up trash. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. 1 priority, said Ronal Serpas, a former NOPD superintendent who teaches at Loyola University. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern . Landry-O.P. 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. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. IN FACT, HE SAYS ORLEANS MAYOR LATOYA CANTRELL ASKED HIM TO RECONSIDER. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. When Ive taken people to jail I have encouraged them to have a better life, to make a better decision, he said. I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. 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. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. "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. By David Jones. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. 715 South Broad St 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. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. 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. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. It was Officer Juan Barnes Sr., one of Fergusons comrades in the Algiers-based 4th District of New Orleans. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. By Ken Daley. Various boards, commissions and districts defined in both City and State law. You have permission to edit this article. 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. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. 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. Emergency Calls: 911. 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. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. 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. 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. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. In 2012, Woodfork was selected by former Superintendent Ronal Serpas to launch the Alternative Police Response Unit, where she served as Commander. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. 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 . The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. Pennington came as a reform agent, and upon doing so, he earned a lot of the communitys trust, he said. By Chris Miller. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. NOPD Supt. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. 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. 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 tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. And thats what this is all about.". But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in 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. 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. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 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. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. 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 . First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPDs eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. Click Here to report it. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. 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. 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 also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. 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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. 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. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. 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. 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'. Cantrell has yet to name Ferguson's replacement, though multiple sources inside and outside the police department say she's chosen Williams. Ferguson told McMain students at the rally that by spearheading the event and planning a march to City Hall, they demonstrated their leadership to the community. 9 talking about this. shaun ferguson nopd wife. One of the most high-profile cases he oversaw was the shooting of Harry Mike Ainsworth. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. 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 need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. 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. The storm brought out the best and worst in the NOPD. 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 later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. 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. 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. 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. 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 . Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757 I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. There could be somebody out there thats just a diamond in the rough, that may have some fantastic ideas, Livaccari said. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. Shaun Ferguson addresses the recent uptick in crime during a news conference on Jan. 19, 2022, in New Orleans. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. 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. I encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. This is my decision. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. new road legal quad; bungou stray dogs chuuya x reader; Related articles; cookie clicker unblocked the advanced method; 1999 ford f350 crew cab headliner Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position 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 that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. A white rookie cop shot a man named Henry Glover who was trying to pick up goods pilfered from a strip mall. Cantrell told him she hated to see the neighborhood blighted. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. Harrison left with positive approval ratings and glowing reviews from local politicians. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". 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. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt know what to do. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. Shaun Ferguson named new NOPD chief by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. 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.". 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. This is New Orleans. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. 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. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. That is who I am. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. We would go and take our showers there, he said. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. BUT IT STARTS, AS I SAID LAST WEEK WITH COMMUNICATION. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. 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. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. 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. 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. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. He has held the position for the past six months. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. "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.". New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. Commercial audiobook. 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 best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. 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. 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. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. It was too perilous. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. Another car crashed into his NOPD cruiser. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent.

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