New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Shaun Ferguson speaks during a press conference in New Orleans on Wednesday, December 7, 2022. 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 . Published: Sep. 8, 2022 at 8:55 PM PDT. He recalls her opening the conversation simply: Are you ready to be my chief?. Now Ferguson must apply those lessons to controlling crime in a city that is still one of the nations most violent, while implementing a highly complex, federally mandated reform plan designed to keep something like the Algiers 7 shootings from ever happening again. As commander, Ferguson won plaudits for his open-door policy. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune). "About Jonette Williams:Jonette Williams spent most of her career working in the Public Affairs Division and the Fourth District.Williams was recently promoted to Deputy Superintendent in June. 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. "To the men and women of this city, I love you. Ferguson, a native of New Orleans, is a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990 and joined the NOPD in December 1998. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making this city safe for its residents and visitors. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. 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. "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. According to Ferguson, he said Cantrell asked him to reconsider, but he told her that it was time to "go home." View spatial City data including the popular Property Viewer and Streetwise. "Copyright 2023 The City of New Orleans"|Report Fraud|Site Policies & Information. 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. 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. There werent many favorites. Across the board, people respect him, Lundy said. He worked for a time as a supervisor in the homicide division. Ferguson joined the NOPD in December 1998. Walker Marching Band for playing the National Anthem at Gallier Hall on St. Charles Ave. Friday, Jan. 18, 2019. HE WAS APPOINTED THE CITYS TOP COP IN EARLY 2019 WITH NO CLUE THE CHALLENGES TO COME. Council President Helena Moreno says her office recently conducted a survey that showed 85% of NOPD officers are dissatisfied with the departments management. 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. 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. 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. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. Ferguson said his decision to retire was an emotional one. Michael Hecht, president and CEO of GNO Inc., the regional economic development agency, said the coalition is concerned with "the process, not the people. NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - Amid building pressure, New Orleans Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire from his position effective Dec. 22, according to city officials. If one needed to go check on a house, we all went together, he said. Commanders, 16 of which the NOPD superintendent appoints at will, fall administratively just behind the three assistant superintendents and the superintendent. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. 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. According to Ferguson, he has no plans after retirement and will remain in the city to see what God has to offer him. Ferguson was sworn in as superintendent in January 2019 after serving as the Commander of the Educational and Training Division. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. NOTE: This story was updated Wednesday morning with additional information from court records. "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. 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. According to Ferguson, his family had endured "a lot" during his tenure as chief and thanked them for their support. "I also want to thank the citizens of this great city for their kind words and support during my tenure. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. I talk to him almost every day, Ferguson said. He commanded the 4th District, the 2nd District and the training academy over the last six years. 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. You have permission to edit this article. WDSU REPORTER MORGAN LENTES AT NOPD HEADQUARTERS WITH WHAT THE OUTGOING SUPERINTENDENT HAD TO SAY. In terms of the way theyre behaving toward each other, I'm not sure how much worse it can get," said Chervenak. 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 right process will find the best people. Ferguson was sworn in as . NEW ORLEANS ( WGNO) The New Orleans Police Department Superintendent Chief Shaun Ferguson officially announced his retirement. 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. Shane Ferguson, son of NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson, turned himself in to authorities Tuesday evening, Cunningham said in a statement late Tuesday. Federal prosecutors said it was all part of a larger cover-up. NOPD superintendent Shaun Ferguson is lashing out at a cop who quit mid-shift last Friday, but that cop isn't alone. The latest breaking updates, delivered straight to your email inbox. "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. One of the church's members, Henry Glovers aunt Rebecca, said she wishes him well. 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. 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. He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. He emphasized that he was not forced out and that he spoke about retiring to New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell before Thanksgiving and even weighed his retirement during the budget hearings. You just let the city know, no we will not let this unfortunate situation dictate who we are, Ferguson said at the time. Deputy superintendent eyed to become NOPD's first female superintendent. 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. What I can take credit for is taking individuals and bringing the best out of individuals and making them a team, he said. Ferguson later explained that he had been drinking the night before at an Easter celebration. Ferguson said Monday he also received a masters decree from SUNO. Before this, he commanded NOPDs Fourth District from 2014 to 2016. 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. This is a crisis: New Orleans murder rate per capita pacing highest in U.S. Police say the suspected shooter is an unknown female. This time Ferguson and his parents saw a different police force. Laura McKnight covers crime and breaking news for NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune. First Emanuel's pastor, the Rev. Hes just a really sincere person. Superintendent Woodfork is a 32-year veteran of the department, joining the NOPD on Jan. 27, 1991. Throughout her career, Superintendent Woodfork has completed several specialized trainings and received many awards and commendations. We have also seen more illegal guns being taken off our streets, with nearly 2,500 illegal guns seized just this year. Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. "Everything I have been through, this department has been through, has been by his (God's) order and I will continue to follow that.". 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 will still be your neighbor, and I will always be a part of the city that I love so much.. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). Neither is guaranteed in a city that has seen progress in its police force evaporate before. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. Williams would make history by becoming the first female Superintendent in NOPD history. We went out there every day with courage, determination.. 2018. His . 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. DO SOLEMNLY SWEAR OR AFFIRM, EVEN AS THE NUMBER OF OFFICERS ON THE FORCE DWINDLED. Ferguson previously served as Commander of the NOPDs Second District from 2016-2018. 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.". 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. She grew up understanding the importance of law and order and rose through the ranks with grit, tenacity, endurance, strong determination, and steadfast focus. That is why any chosen candidate for chief must adhere to the City Council confirmation process widely endorsed by the voters of the City. Ferguson was named 4th District officer of the year in 2000, 2002 and 2003, according to his resum. 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. Ferguson's career includes numerous periods in the NOPD Second District, which spans from Napoleon Avenue upriver through the Audubon, university, Carrollton, [] At the same time, I dont think anybody wanted Ferg to fail.. The appointment would be a historic move. I am walking out on my own accord, he said. Cantrell elevated him from 2nd District commander to the NOPDs top post after Harrison left. 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. Shaun Ferguson promises his four children will never receive special treatment. NOPD Superintendent Shaun Ferguson was hand-picked by Mayor LaToya Cantrell and had previously served as head of the training academy and commander of the second and fourth police districts in New . I will still be your neighbor and I will always be a part of this city that I love so much.". Noel and Ferguson worked together in the 2nd District when Noel was the commander there. 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. NOPD Supt. The cop said he thought Glover had a gun. 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.