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. Hearst Television participates in various affiliate marketing programs, which means we may get paid commissions on editorially chosen products purchased through our links to retailer sites. "Its time to enjoy my life No more phone calls in the middle of the night. In 2012, Woodfork was selected by former Superintendent Ronal Serpas to launch the Alternative Police Response Unit, where she served as Commander. Emergency Calls: 911. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. 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. New Orleans Police Department Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. Several council members expressed concern that Cantrell will skirt that new vetting process by quickly naming a new superintendent. 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.. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. 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. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 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. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. 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.. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Leave an email address and we'll do our best to respond! Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. 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. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. You have permission to edit this article. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home.". Another cop drove a car with Glovers body inside it to the levee and set it on fire. In the dark, but we got warm fresh water.. New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757 Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 NOW A LOT OF PEOPLE ARE WONDERING WHY HE ADDRESSED THAT EARLIER TODAY. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. "Chief Ferguson has been dealing with an issue that no police chief has had to deal with in 100 years," Goyeneche said. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. We would go and take our showers there, he said. He also commanded the NOPDs Fourth District from 2014-2016. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. 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. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. BUT SAID HE WILL BE STAYING IN NEW ORLEANS. 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. Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. Nummer 6 - 2017; Nummer 5 - 2017; Nummer 4 - 2017; Nummer 3 - 2017; Nummer 2 - 2017 AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. He stresses the virtues of a smooth transition. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. 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. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). 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. NEW ORLEANS In a seismic shake-up that has been widely rumored for months, NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson is . Ive been shot, another cop yelled to the dispatchers. They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". 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. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. Ferguson said his commitment to accountability does not conflict with caring for officers, even ones who have fallen under criminal suspicion. No matter how much money we throw at these officers, were not listening to them, said Morrell. To this day I continue to think hes done a great job. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. 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. Ferguson was very vocal in the past year regarding crime and how the Orleans Parish district attorney handled convictions. 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. The DA and Ferguson eventually put their differences aside and formed a partnership where the two launched a Serial Crimes Prevention and Prosecution Initiative. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. 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. However, Superintendent Harrison, the man Ferguson describes as his mentor, ordered him to serve a five-day suspension. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. I encourage anyone that is going through something, I wish them the best. MondayFriday 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 . NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune reporters Heather Nolan and Carlie Kollath Wells contributed to this story. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. +56 9 8252 6387 (La Reina) +56 9 8435 2712 (Las Condes) marks and spencer ladies coats. Reform-minded Superintendent Richard Pennington, hired in 1994, had managed to put the department on a new course. 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. I WAS NOT FORCED. The summer after graduating high school, he also worked as a deputy for the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office, guarding inmates at the jail. His . InspireNOLA charter school network in November honored Ferguson with a community service award. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Full divisional and bureau contact information here. 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. Commercial audiobook. Shaun Ferguson, who served as an NOPD commander, was sworn in Friday as NOPDs new superintendent. It was an overwhelming feeling, but Ill never forget it.. 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. IM WALKING OUT ON MY OWN ACCORD. 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 currently serves as commander of the Education and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. There was a problem saving your notification. The team quickly won recognition for their hands-on approach. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. He was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. 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. 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. 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'. 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. 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. His other jobs shortly after high school included a salesman at Maison Blanche and a mail clerk assistant at Conoco Oil Co. in Algiers. Ferguson and other cops were assigned to a task force which proactively sought out criminals instead of waiting for 911 calls. 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. June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol In 2020, everything changed so cold. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. They've been 100 percent, anything I needed, anything I wanted, Barnes said. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. 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. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. "I was not forced out. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Ferguson saw the department through COVID-19 and two years of the highest violent crime rates since Hurricane Katrina. 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. Before then, Serpas sat in the superintendent's seat for a little more than 4 years. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. We dont have to go anywhere.. 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. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. His application remained on file, however. 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. The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. Barnes was hit, and blood poured out of him as his fellow officers tried to help. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. 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. All rights reserved. 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. 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. 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. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. 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. 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 . At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. Cantrell will give Ferguson a traditional sendoff with a "Final Walk" scheduled for Dec. 22 outside Gallier Hall on St. Charles Avenue. And thats what this is all about.". I will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. 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. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. #NOLA. I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for 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. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. Harrison served 4 years. He opened it up to fellow officers. From a nearly 50-year low in homicides in 2019, shootings and murders have surged across 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 retire after 24 years on the city's police force was his and his alone. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. 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. Ferguson rose up as a beat cop in the 4th District, patrolling the Fischer public housing development in Algiers. Ferguson said he first met Cantrell as a lieutenant in the 2nd District, where he served from 2012 to 2014. Ferguson will retire at year's end. Ferguson quickly received a reminder that being the top cop comes with greater scrutiny. In that role, she was tasked with overseeing the department's Management Services Bureau. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. 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. New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell on Jan. 14 announced the 46-year-old Ferguson as her choice to replace former chief Michael Harrison, who has taken a job as police commissioner in Baltimore. 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. REPORTING LIVE OUTSIDE POLICE HEADQUARTERS, IM MORGAN LENTES WD. After a long, painful recovery, Barnes survived. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. Although crime had fallen under Penningtons watch, it still plagued much of the city, including Algiers. Cantrell made no mention of a pick as she delivered her State of the City address Wednesday evening. On Election Day (Nov. 8), New Orleans voters approved a Home Rule Charter change that gives the City Council power to confirm or deny mayoral appointees. In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. This is my decision. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. No additional details were immediately available about the dispute.". Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. Lundy described Fergusons management style as valuing the employees under his charge, and that makes people work so much harder, he said. "I just hope that nothing is done in the selection of this new chief that would make the public lose confidence in the city, and city leadership," said King. "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. Ferguson and other officers rushed to the scene of the shooting. In a statement, Ferguson thanked the mayor and the citizens of New Orleans. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department Ecommerce; beauty lol pussy. He has a bachelors degree in business administration from Southern University of New Orleans, NOPD said in a 2015 news release about his promotion to 2nd District commander. 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. Ferguson, 46, first applied to join the NOPD in 1995, when the city had just seen its highest-ever murder count. "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. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. We need a new Chief, period. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. 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.