All seven members of the New Orleans City Council today signed off on a letter urging Mayor LaToya Cantrell to conduct a national search for a new New Orleans Police Superintendent, and to have that nominee go through the vetting process voters approved last month.
Council member wants Cantrell to name an interim superintendent to take over when Shaun Ferguson retires on December 22, until a new superintendent is selected.
"This is one of the most critical positions in city government, especially now," the letter from the council states. "We cannot afford to fail and welcome the opportunity to engage in a responsible and collaborative selection process."
The letter makes four recommendations for how to go about selecting a new chief:
1) Appoint an interim superintendent when Chief Ferguson retires next week
2) Launch a national search, calling for applicant both locally and from around the country
3) Create a selection committee that will take input from the city council and the public
4) Confirm the appointee via the voter-approved council confirmation process
New Orleans City Council
Last week, Cantrell gave council members until this Friday to submit names for consideration. Cantrell's missive made no commitment to waiting until the charter amendment takes place January 1 before naming Chief Ferguson's successor.
"Please submit suggestions and/or ideas by December 16," Cantrell wrote.
