June 14, 2022; indigo child symbol Williams would become the first woman to serve as New Orleans top law enforcement officer and the first Black female NOPD superintendent. 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. 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. Since then, she has been assigned to five of the NOPD's eight districts at the rank of Patrol Officer, Sergeant, and Lieutenant. 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 . It was during this period, on March 28, 2001, that Barnes was shot in the Fischer complex. Shaun Ferguson tells WGNO that she had been a nine-year veteran of the NOPD and called the event horrible news. 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 George Floyd social justice movement, Goyeneche said. ITS A DECISION SAYS WAS HIS AND HIS ALONE. 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. 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. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. So he has been the chief during the most troubling and trying times in the history of the city of New Orleans, Goyeneche said. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed his decision to resign from the NOPD on Wednesday. "We all loved Everett and we owe it to his memory to do what we can to make sure his. The department is down to fewer than 950 commissioned officers from about 1,175 when he took office. 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. His . COVID hit. New Orleans Police Chief Shaun Ferguson to step down | Crime/Police After 24 years of dedicated public service to the City of New Orleans, Superintendent Shaun Ferguson will retire at the end of this year. NOPD Supt. We must ensure that the next chief commits to upholding constitutional policing and transforming the department. 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. Woman, 73, Was Allegedly Dragged to Death in Carjacking by 4 Teens Including victim assistance, accident and incident reports, and how to file complaints or commendations. 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. MY FAMILY HAS ENDURED A LOT. "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. 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New Orleans, LA 70119, Phone(504) 658-5757 They had an open-door policy, very community focused, excellent community policing skills.". He was promoted to that job in March 2014, near the end of former superintendent Ronal Serpas tenure. Livaccari noted that the NOPD is a relatively young police force. I appreciated the Chiefs recent willingness to listen to the community and the Councils reform recommendations to help NOPD meet the demands of today. They made a very powerful team in the 2nd District, Scharf said. Updated: Dec 7, 2022 / 09:40 AM CST. WE HAVE TO WORK WITH ONE ANOTHER. His community-focused approach has helped mend the relationships between our officers and our residents. Thats one reason Cantrell should open up the search for Ferguson's replacement, he said. 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. "It is vital that the community continue its support for this department. I also want to thank the men & women of the NOPD for their continued hard work and service its citizens. Talking Book Topics March-April 2023 - National Library Service for the Yet, you faced all of these seemingly insurmountable hurdles with dignity, grace and determination. Ferguson was tasked, in part, with shepherding the department into full compliance with a police reform agreement overseen by a federal judge, and clearing the NOPD from federal oversight. I just hope he stays prayed up and does the right thing, she said. Hoping to beef up a dwindling police force amid a rise in . 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. It was too perilous. Ferguson is a New Orleans native and a graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990. Submit request online The cause of Glover's death was kept under wraps for years. "Since joining the NOPD in 1998, Chief Ferguson has served with honor, distinction and integrity. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday morning. So that started a conversation, Ferguson said. Ferguson said he does not remember sending the messages, but that they were not out of character. Please include the headline. 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. His predecessor, Michael Harrison, received the same treatment when he left the NOPD to lead Baltimore's police department. She will now be tasked with appointing a replacement. Ferguson said he paused and let out a deep breath before responding. The crucible of Algiers, an area apart from the rest of New Orleans with its own history of violence and police brutality, helped shape the 21-year NOPD veterans approach to the job. View Crime Maps, UCR Stats, NOPD Calls for Service and more. Today, only one officer involved in the case is in prison the one who burned the car with Glovers body inside. We need a new Chief, period. 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. 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. 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. Dec 7, 2022 - 11:45 am. 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. 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. 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. 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. New Orleans NOPD Superintendent Shaun D. Ferguson, Sr. acknowledges the L.B. New Orleans police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson discusses decision to retire, IS WDSU NEWS AT FIVE. Moving forward, there should be a national search for a new police chief to find the best candidate to lead the NOPD. 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. Cantrells warm impression of Ferguson remained with her when, early last month, Harrison said he was stepping down to take over Baltimores troubled department. Ferguson was hired by NOPD in 1995, NOPD records show. (Photo by Brett Duke, NOLA.com | The Times-Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate). All rights reserved. He also says he believes the next Superintendent of the NOPD should come from inside the NOPD. City Council member Freddie King was among the majority on the council calling for Cantrell to follow the voter-approved confirmation process. We need to support each other as we continue the work of making the city safe for its residents and visitors. The Orleans Parish District Attorneys Office on Monday dropped a domestic violence charge against the son of Police Superintendent Shaun Ferguson. Fergusons first assignment was in Algiers, the same neighborhood where he grew up. 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. Ferguson, who turned 50 this year, said he didn't change his mind. He was left with gunshot wounds to his right lung and left leg. MORGANS HEY TRAVERS.