Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced Wednesday that he will retire from leading the nation's second-largest police force after a three-year tenure. Snelling took command of the 12,000-officer department amid concerns about crime and a need to foster greater trust between the police and the community.
During Snelling's leadership, homicides and shootings in Chicago have seen fluctuations. However, department statistics indicate a decrease of 32% in murders and 41% in shootings so far this year compared to 2023. "I am closing out this chapter of my life with a heart full of gratitude for every Chicagoan and every community partner who embraced me during my time at the Chicago Police Department," Snelling stated, without specifying the exact reasons for his retirement.
The role of Chicago's police superintendent is known for its challenges, with many predecessors serving only a few years amid pressure from various interest groups, including the local police union.
Snelling's time as superintendent also coincided with a period where hundreds of National Guard troops were deployed to Chicago as part of federal immigration enforcement efforts. He navigated the complexities of maintaining public safety while seeking to avoid actions that could alienate the community and lead to protests.
In 2024, he oversaw preparations for the Democratic National Convention, where Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the party's nomination. Officers received training in constitutional policing, de-escalation techniques, and specialized instruction for responding to civil unrest.
Additionally, Snelling led the department's efforts to comply with a federal consent decree, approved by a judge in 2019. This court-monitored plan mandated reforms, including increased community policing and expanded use-of-force training, following a U.S. Justice Department report that identified systemic civil rights abuses within the force.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed gratitude for Snelling's leadership, stating, "We’re grateful for Superintendent Snelling’s dedicated leadership and the work we’ve accomplished together to advance a community safety strategy rooted in strong partnerships and deep community engagement across Chicago."
Snelling, a Chicago native, joined the police department in 1992 and previously served as the department's counterterrorism chief. He was unanimously confirmed as superintendent by the City Council in 2023.
Snelling's final day will be July 15. Fred Waller will serve as interim superintendent while the city conducts a search for a permanent replacement.