They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". Its called accountability, he said. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. During his year-long recovery, the cops on his squad Ferguson among them donated sick days, called constantly and organized fundraisers. Its unclear if Noel will remain in that role. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. 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. Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. 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. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. 9:00am5:00pm, Non-Emergency Calls/To File Report(504) 821-2222 Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. THERES A LEVEL RESPECT THAT WAS GIVEN BACK TO THOSE OFFICERS THAT ARE BOOTS ON THE GROUND THAT WASNT THERE BEFORE. Ferguson faced difficult times during his tenure as superintendent. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. "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. 2 in rank at the department. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will take his final walk Thursday as acting police chief for the NOPD. 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. 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. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. Follow Matt Sledge on Twitter, @mgsledge. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. 2018. It was too perilous. During their many interactions, Cantrell has said that he left her with the impression that he was fair, firm and friendly.. Ferguson heaped praise on the officers who remain while urging greater public support for them. We definitely want to go with the momentum that we ended 2018 with.. 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. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. He was fair across the board.. Subscribe to email updates, All Contents. He was promoted to sergeant in 2007 and returned to the homicide beat from 2011 to 2012. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department The department came calling again in 1998. THIS IS MY DECISION. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. Another car crashed into his NOPD cruiser. His neighborhood bona fides helped soothe tensions in the years following Katrina. 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. After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. To the men and women of the New Orleans Police Department, I love you," Ferguson said. 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. He opened it up to fellow officers. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. He was one of our young leaders that we identified when I was superintendent and Im very proud of him, said Serpas. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. COVID hit. 113 talking about this. You have permission to edit this article. We need a new Chief, period. "This has been an emotional week, an emotional month. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. Submit request online In December 2022, Mayor Latoya Cantrell appointed Woodfork as Interim Superintendent of the New Orlean Police Department. 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 have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Published: 2:34 PM CST December 6, 2022. WE BEGIN AT FIVE WITH THE FINAL MESSAGE FROM NOPD SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON. He has a bachelor's degree in business administration from Southern . After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS. 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. Sources tell FOX 8 recently promoted Deputy Superintendent Jonette Williams is the frontrunner to be tapped by Cantrell to replace Ferguson. 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. In 2020, everything changed so cold. 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. 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. 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. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. Under NOPD policy, however, no officer can drive with any amount of alcohol in their blood. "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. Ferguson said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. 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. 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.. SUPERINTENDENT SEAN FERGUSON WANTS TO SET THE RECORD STRAIGHT. The George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. 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. NOLA 311is New Orleans primary source of local government information and non-emergency services. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . The City of New Orleans will soon bid farewell to a great leader, a great partner and a great friend. A 20-year veteran of the New Orleans Police Department is an unconventional contender for the role of top cop not only because of who she isa, Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. 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. Harrison served 4 years. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to 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 . It was a department in shambles, sullied by terrible crime statistics and violence coming from inside the department itself. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. It appears the Mayor might appoint his replacement immediately, in order to avoid the January 1st City Charter change that gives the City Council approval powers. "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. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. 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. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. WE HAVE TO AGREE TO DISAGREE. 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. I have been convinced since the day Shaun was appointed superintendent that he was going to do a great job. Ferguson shadowed Harrison during his last week in office, and their conversations have continued since then, he said. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. New Orleans Police Department Commander Shaun Ferguson was named the citys new police superintendent on Monday (Jan. 14) by Mayor LaToya Cantrell. You had some high tension between the community and the Police Department, he said. 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 said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. 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. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. The best person for the New Orleans Police Department is within the New Orleans Police Department, he insisted. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, flanked by city councilmembers and assorted .