After leading Chicago’s police department, the nation’s second-largest, for almost three years, Superintendent Larry Snelling will retire on July 15. His term witnessed a record reduction in shootings, homicides, and violent crime, for which he credits the hard work of officers. “While this happened during my tenure as Superintendent,” Snelling remarked, “the hard and courageous work of the members of the Chicago Police Department should be given the credit.”
Snelling, 57, ascended to leadership in August 2023 after nearly 30 years with the department. He was initially an instructor at the police academy. Across his term, city gun violence saw a decline, and there was increased compliance with a federal consent decree. He also navigated challenges during the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
The Mayor acknowledged Snelling’s lifelong commitment to Chicago, stating: “We’re grateful for Superintendent Snelling’s dedicated leadership and the work we’ve accomplished together to advance a community safety strategy.”
Mayor Brandon Johnson has named CPD veteran Fred Waller as interim superintendent while seeking a permanent successor. Before Snelling, Waller served temporarily and is the current deputy director in the superintendent’s office.
Snelling’s roots are in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side. Born in February 1969, Snelling joined CPD in 1992, first working as a patrol officer. Over time, he became a sergeant and later led the Englewood District as commander. His respect grew when choosing to let community members handle protests peacefully in 2020.
Snelling rose to chief of the bureau of counterterrorism before becoming superintendent. His leadership style emphasized collaboration in reducing crime. Despite challenges like Operation Midway Blitz, Snelling remained focused on open communication. During this federal immigration crackdown, CPD officers had to navigate confrontations between federal agents and residents.
Snelling stressed that CPD’s role is independent of immigration status, reinforcing the priority of responding to 911 calls. “When someone calls for emergency services, someone is hurt, we’re CPD, we’re going to show up. That’s our job,” Snelling emphasized.
Despite citywide gun violence decreasing, challenges persisted. High-profile shootings and unrest in central areas continued during his term. In his career, Snelling called for a focus on the root causes leading youth to violence, pointing out the need for attention to the city’s children.
Acknowledged as an authority on police procedures, Snelling has been an expert witness in numerous legal cases. His tenure saw strategic policing during major events like the Democratic National Convention in 2024, earning praise for tactical handling of protests.
Labor peace marked Snelling’s time with a new contract with the Fraternal Order of Police offering significant pay raises. However, internal CPD discipline issues persist, with ongoing legal contentions regarding the role of the Chicago Police Board in misconduct cases.
Snelling maintained a complex relationship with COPA, the agency investigating police misconduct, criticizing it at times for harsh penalties over minor infractions. Commitment to transparency was a hallmark of his tenure. “I like a good fight, I’m just going to be honest with you,” Snelling told attendees at the City Club of Chicago. This attitude defined his proactive and assertive leadership.