FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

January 14, 2019

Contact: LaTonya Norton

For Media Inquiries Only
communications@nola.gov
(504) 658-4962

MAYOR CANTRELL NAMES SHAUN FERGUSON AS

NEW NOPD SUPERINTENDENT

NEW ORLEANS — Today, Mayor LaToya Cantrell, joined by several public safety leaders, announced her selection for the new superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department: Commander Shaun Ferguson.

"I understand how consequential this decision is, and it's probably the most important decision I will make as mayor of the City of New Orleans, particularly at this time," said Mayor Cantrell.

"Commander Ferguson is my choice to be the next Superintendent of the New Orleans Police Department. Commander Ferguson has the criteria that I’ve been looking for. I call it the three F’s: fair, firm and friendly. (He’s) known by our community with over 21 years of experience. We would not have made the strides we’ve made with the consent decree without Commander Ferguson modernizing the police department and bringing it into the 21^st century."  

Ferguson, a 21-year veteran of the force, is currently serving as the commander of the Educational and Training Division, which oversees the police academy. Prior to overseeing the academy and training the next generation of NOPD officers, Ferguson served for about three years as commander of the department’s 2^nd District before moving to the academy in the summer of 2018. Before his assignment in the 2^nd District, Ferguson commanded NOPD’s 4^th District. 

"This is indeed an honor and privilege to be selected as the new Chief of the New Orleans Police Department,” said Commander Ferguson. "I have had many assignments in my 21 years with the NOPD to prepare me for this moment, and I would like to thank Mayor Cantrell for entrusting me with this opportunity. Together, we will work to build upon the successes the brave men and women of this department have been able to achieve as we strive to be the best police department in America."

The New Orleans native was raised in the Lower Ninth Ward and moved to Algiers during his junior high school years. A graduate of O. Perry Walker High School in 1990, Ferguson joined the New Orleans Police Department in December 1998. During his tenure, he obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Southern University of New Orleans, where he also received a Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice.

Ferguson will be sworn in Friday, Jan. 18, in a public ceremony held at Gallier Hall. Details of the ceremony will be provided later this week.

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