New Orleans Police Department Chief Superintendent Shaun Ferguson addressed the public Friday afternoon from Police Headquarters.
Right from the start, Ferguson spelled out the point of his address:
“To make sure that our city, our citizens know the New Orleans Police Department is unwavering and will stand strong and be consistent with our enforcement against violent crime in the City of New Orleans.”
Ferguson acknowledged the city has seen a spike in violent crime but he reiterated his officers are standing strong, ensuring the safety of the citizens.
On a table in front of him, Ferguson pointed out a large amount of guns taken off the streets.
“The guns that you see here today are a perfect example of great work and quick action by our officers assigned to the Sixth District.”
Ferguson said the guns were confiscated after an armed group, including a juvenile, were arrested by NOPD as they roamed Clio Street near Gayoso, off Earhart Boulevard.
Ferguson said working with state and federal agencies, over 1600 guns were taken off the streets in the year.
He says 168 arrests were made for possession of stolen firearms this year.
Homicide, carjacking and armed robbery arrests are also up over last year.
Ferguson lauded the VCAIT (Violent Crime Abatement Investigative Team) unit—formed just last month—for arresting one man charged with armed robbery, two counts of attempted murder, aggravated assault, discharging a firearm while committing a violent crime.
Ferguson says his department finds itself arresting and re-arresting criminals who are known as repeat offenders.
Despite making inroads into the crime problem, Ferguson still appealed for the public’s help in taking violent criminals, particularly carjackers, off the streets.
“We know someone knows something. Call Crimestoppers and please get us that information that can help further our investigation,” Ferguson said. “You do not have to come directly to us as a department, you can remain anonymous but it will help us to solve these cases.”
