Superintendent Woodfork is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the Black Organization of Police. 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. 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 right process will find the best people. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. Call #NOPD's Homicide Unit at 504-658-5300 or call @CrimestopperGNO at 504-822-1111." shaun ferguson nopd wife. Other questions:subscriberservices@theadvocate.com. Join me live on @FOX8NOLA at 5PM and 9PM for analysis. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. 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. 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. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. 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 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. Former NOPD Superintendent Ronal Serpas says Ferguson had to play a game with very little support.. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Shaun Ferguson says the average response time currently sits at 11 minutes, but with the help of civilians, the department can reduce that time. You have permission to edit this article. But his tenure quickly proved challenging, with the outbreak of the COVID pandemic and a reversal of steep dips in violent crime. Orleans Parish District Attorney Jason Williams criticized inconsistencies in NOPDs data and the FBIs data for arrests and solve rates. We dont have to go anywhere.. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. 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. I have not stopped talking to Chief Harrison since he left. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. Should Ferguson continue to work as a police officer in some capacity, he could keep contributing to his state retirement package. 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. Other Glovers attended Central Citys First Emanuel Baptist Church with him. But his record is not without a blemish. E-mail nopdchief@nola.gov. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. This is New Orleans. Good luck brother.. Unrated. The 2nd District comprises the Carrollton, Freret, Leonidas neighborhoods and Uptown, all within Cantrells former council district. 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. SuperintendentWoodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. shaun ferguson nopd wife - hazrentalcenter.com Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. 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. 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. 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.". It was too perilous. Its time to sit back, look at what I have done, Ferguson said. FILE - New Orleans Police Supt. Tell my wife that I love her, Barnes said. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. The 2nd District also includes the mayors neighborhood of Broadmoor. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. 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? Officers grievances included cronyism, favoritism, and being promoted based on who you know and not on ability or experience, she said of the results. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Rafael Goyeneche of the Metropolitan Crime Commission says Ferguson was a dedicated officer and police chief. 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. Because the suspects are minors, their names and photos have not been released. 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. Hurricane Ida and civil unrest in the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minnesota added to a grim scenario for police, Ferguson noted, as he urged the public and media to "look at the glass half full.". 715 South Broad St Viewpoint: Longtime watchdog gives Chief Ferguson an A for handling of We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. December 1, 2022 12:50 pm. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). 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. At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. Access open City data via download or API. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. Jacob Lundy, a former NOPD officer who resigned in 2017 after 10 years and works as a criminal justice consultant, worked under Ferguson in the 2nd District when he joined the department. NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. Shaun Ferguson announces retirement, La. Departing NOPD chief Shaun Ferguson denies he was pushed out | Crime Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Ferguson emerged from the aftermath of Katrina with no known blotches on his record. 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. New NOPD chief sworn in following emotional send-off for former superintendent, Jonette Williams could be named the next NOPD superintendent. I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. Whether you are a local resident, visitor, or business, NOLA-311 will provide a prompt, courteous and professional customer service experience. 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. 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. None of the responding officers noticed signs of impairment, but as per NOPD policy, Ferguson took a blood alcohol test. It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. 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. WDSU FIRST BROKE THE NEWS YESTERDAY THAT THE TOP COP WOULD RETIRE BY THE END OF THE YEAR. 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. Shootings are up 87%. Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department NOPD Interim Chief Michelle Woodfork I could not have done my job without their support, and I will always be grateful for that. "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. With the department now in his hands, Ferguson suggested he would like to hold onto proven strategies while making tweaks where needed. NOPD Supt. Shaun Ferguson discusses violent weekend in the city - WGNO New Orleans police hiring civilians to give traffic citations, respond 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 was placed on murder cases in Algiers, and his neighborhood savvy helped. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. 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 . She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. 'This is my decision:' Emotional Ferguson explains his retirement as She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the department's Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. shooting in gentilly new orleans Metropolitan Crime Commission President Rafael Goyeneche said yesterday that NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson deserves the highest accolades for his handling of the department since the pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests began. There werent many favorites. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. Shaun Ferguson, a 24-year veteran of the department announced that he would be stepping down from his post and into retirement to spend more time with his family, effective Thursday, Dec. 22. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. In 2020, everything changed so cold. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. 2 in rank at the department. According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. He will be sworn in Friday. And sometimes you know a decision has to be made, a very important and necessary decision.". "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 3 Reasons The Mayor Should Choose Shaun Ferguson's Successor RIGHT NOW We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. Please include the headline. New Orleans Police Superintendent On Policing Reforms That Have Been Despite speculation from some political insiders, Ferguson said he had never had a conversation with Cantrell about the chiefs job before last month. Ferguson also asked the community to continue to uplift the police officers of the city, praising the dedication of his officers on the force. SO HAS THE SUPERINTENDENT WHO JOINED THE NOPD ALMOST 25 YEARS AGO. I JOINED THIS DEPARTMENT IN 1998 IN AN EFFORT TO SUPPORT MY FAMILY. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. Its not because Shaun Ferguson didnt care. The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office on Monday dropped a domestic violence charge against the son of Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Carjackings are up 103% and armed robberies are up 29%.. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. "After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City . New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson talks to reporters outside the federal courthouse in New Orleans on Aug. 17, 2022. shooting in gentilly new orleans The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. ", "It is quite possible that this person already exists within NOPD," he said, "but if so, they need to be selected via a process that engenders the most NOPD and community support.". 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. We as commanding officers should be held to a higher standard, Ferguson said. View online City tools and other City websites. And there was one discrepancy in his resumas submitted for consideration for the chiefs job. NOPD Supt. Prior to training the next generation of NOPD officers, he served as Commander of the Second District from 2016 to 2018. She served 12 years as a Detective and later as a Sergeant in the departments Sex Crimes/Child Abuse Unit. He liked the idea of putting the pieces of the puzzle together on complicated investigations. It is vital that the community continue its support for this department, the statement continues. THE NEW ORLEANS POLICE FROM DOING THEIR JOB. BEEN THROUGH A GLOBAL PANDEMIC, CIVIL UNREST, HURRICANES, TWO WEEKS WITHOUT ELECTRICITY AND NONE OF THAT STUFF. "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. Cantrell, whom Ferguson praised next only to God for her support of him as police chief, asked that he take the holiday to consider it. "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. 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. 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. A little extra on my side where I could get those cases solved.. We went out there every day with courage, determination.. 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 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 said he broached his planned exit with Cantrell before Thanksgiving. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. He has to go through his due process, just as any other individual whos accused of any criminal wrongdoing.. She was then assigned as a Lieutenant in the 1st District before being promoted to the rank of Captain in November of 2021. If Ferguson had been a regular patrolman, he would have been suspended for a couple of days. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. Published Dec 7, 2022 at 5:23 pm | Updated Dec 8, 2022 at 7:53 am. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. In a statement, Ferguson . Laws governing the City of New Orleans: Home Rule Charter, Code of Ordinances and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance. Ferguson was sworn in as . His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Superintendent Woodfork is a native New Orleanian and life-long resident of New Orleans East. All rights reserved. THIS IS MY DECISION. 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. He said Monday he was raised in the Lower 9th Ward before moving to Algiers. 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. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. He also navigated the department at a time when the police commission says there is a critical shortage of officers. AND I THINK THAT IS MY GRADE A COP. It was in the latter job that he weathered Hurricane Katrina. Hours after he was sworn in, a woman accused his son Shane of punching her in the face, according to police. The son of the newly sworn-in head of the New Orleans Police Department was arrested Tuesday (Jan. 22) in connection with a domestic dispute that occurred over the weekend, according to NOPD spokesman Andy Cunningham. shaun ferguson nopd wife. Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District. Ferguson announced his retirement from the NOPD a few weeks ago. 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. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. The clientele back then was rougher, recalled Barnes, a friend of Ferguson's back then, and now an NOPD public information officer. 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. 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. NOPD Supt. "A masked vigilante known only as "X" dispenses justice without mercy to the criminals who rule the decaying city of Arcadia. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. 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. Officers issued a warrant for Shane Ferguson, who turned himself in within days.