Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . He opened it up to fellow officers. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. 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. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Whatever the city asks of me, he told her. 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. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. NOPD Supt. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. We just stayed together. You have permission to edit this article. 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. 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. Thomassie eventually pleaded guilty to forcible rape and sexual molestation of a juvenile under age 13. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. Ferguson's final walk and salute will be held outside of Gallier Hall on Thursday, Dec. 22 at 11 a.m. Sources say Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Who is Shaun Ferguson, NOPDs next police chief? 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. How are you making out? Ferguson wrote. Ferguson announced his retirement Tuesday, Dec. 6 . Through a spokesman, Ferguson called the misstatement a typo, adding that he meant to refer to a different metric that did in fact decline according to internal department records. 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. 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. 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. 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. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that." Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. 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. Ferguson graduated from O. Perry Walker High School in Algiers in 1990, according to his personal history record. Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. 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. Cantrell made no mention of a pick as she delivered her State of the City address Wednesday evening. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. 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 liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. Shootings are up 87%. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. 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. NOPD Supt. 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. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) Former New Orleans Police Department Supt. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 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. 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. Richard Pennington, the only NOPD chief since 1980 who didnt rise through local law enforcement ranks, served eight years under former Mayor Marc Morial beginning in 1994, the city's high-water mark for deadly violence. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across the city. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. There werent many favorites. 2021. 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. In a lengthy interview detailing his career, Ferguson said he was accepted into the police academy, but after talking with his parents, he backed out. "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 ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. (booking photo via Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office). His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. NOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY HE ADDRESSED THAT EARLIER TODAY. 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. Shaun Ferguson will retire effective 11:00 a.m. on Dec. 22, and we say Mayor Cantrell should announce his replacement . He tested at .03, well below the legal driving limit of .08. He will be sworn in Friday. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. SO SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON ADMITTED HAS BEEN A REALLY EMOTIONAL WEEK AND THAT HES ACTUALLY BEEN THINKING ABOUT RETIREMENT. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. SINCE BEFORE THANKSGIVING. 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She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. 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, 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. New Orleans Police Department Commercial audiobook. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Earlier in his career, Ferguson had arrested some members of the extended Glover family when they were still kids, and had tried to set them on the right path. Hes just a really sincere person. 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. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District. You have permission to edit this article. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. 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. 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. Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. 715 South Broad St Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. 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. 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. Mayor Cantrell has been steadfast in her support of Ferguson. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of the month, according to a press release from the mayor's office on Tuesday. 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. The citys new chief took his oath with fanfare in front of Gallier Hall on Jan. 18. 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. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. Type an address to get zoning, district, and service information for your location, 1300 Perdido St, New Orleans, LA 70112 NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. That is who I am. She has a long family history of law enforcement careers, including her father, who joined the force in 1968 as a cadet, and her uncle Warren G. Woodfork Sr., who was appointed as the first African American Superintendent of the NOPD. Afterward, Ferguson began his long rise through the departments ranks. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. We would go and take our showers there, he said. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. #NOLA. 2 in rank at the department. 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's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] 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. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. 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. Ferguson served with the department for 23 years, with three of those years in the top position of the department. 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. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. Growing library of dashboards tracking City dat and initiatives. This is my decision. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. There was a problem saving your notification. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. The appointment would be a historic move. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. 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. Fergusons exit comes as a new charter amendment is set to take effect Jan. 1, giving the council the power to confirm or deny mayoral appointments to key posts, including police chief. He didnt have the political support from the political leadership to offer raises to officers that the crime commission and other groups called for in 2020. He said he has no future career plans. His tibia had to be rebuilt with a bone graft before he could walk again. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. You have permission to edit this article. Son of new NOPD chief arrested after domestic dispute, Laura McKnight, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. For Shaun Ferguson, a West Bank police 'brotherhood' helped drive his rise to NOPD chief, BY MATT SLEDGE AND RAMON ANTONIO VARGAS | msledge@theadvocate.com rvargas@theadvocate.com, 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? He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Updated: Jan 19, 2023 / 03:30 PM CST. The speedy transition meant the public had little chance to probe Fergusons background before he was named chief, a process that is beginning as he takes the reins. bloomingdale football tickets; party wear saree with stitched blouse Ferguson cited family and health reasons as he addressed the media a day after City Hall announced he will retire on Dec. 22. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. The New Orleans Superintendent of Police has resigned. Charles Southall, describes Ferguson as an upstanding community person and a man of faith.. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. On Monday morning, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson and Deputy Chief Superintendent John Thomas met for a press conference to discuss the incredibly violent weekend in the city. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. Emergency Calls: 911. 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.. 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 . 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. InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. By Chris Miller. 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. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. He gave this city his very best - the safety and . 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. Interim Superintendent Michelle M. Woodfork is a legacy within the NOPD and is deeply rooted within the community. His application remained on file, however. The homicide squad appealed to the Southern University at New Orleans graduate. "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. 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 retire after 24 years on the city's police force was his and his alone. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. FERGUSON ALSO SURE TO ADDRESS HIS CRITICS, SOME OF WHOM WORK AT CITY HALL. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. 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. or dial 311 or (504) 539-3266. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. He was fair across the board.. A majority of City Council members were among those chafing at word that Cantrell has already chosen a successor in Jonette Williams, a deputy police chief who would become the first woman to lead the NOPD. She received both a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with a minor in Political Science and a Master of Arts degree in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Law Enforcement from Southern University at New Orleans. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. Emily Lane, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune, named the citys new police superintendent, Who is Jonette Williams? Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. "We need to get this right.". Commander Shaun Ferguson who spent much of his 21-year-career in the New Orleans Police Department in leadership roles in Uptown districts is Mayor LaToya Cantrell's choice to be the department's next chief. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. "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. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. 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. By David Jones. Shaun Ferguson addressed the public just one day after he announced his retirement from the . "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. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. 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 first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. 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. 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. 2023, Hearst Television Inc. on behalf of WDSU-TV. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. 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.