On August 13, 2023 Mayor Brandon Johnson selected CPD Chief of Counterterrorism Larry Snelling as his choice to become the next Superintendent.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability’s Role:

On April 7, 2023, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability initiated a nationwide search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. As mandated by city ordinance, when a vacancy occurs in the office of the Superintendent, the Commission is responsible for identifying and presenting three candidates to the Mayor for consideration.

The Commission created a detailed application, identifying key challenges and opportunities for the next Superintendent, and establishing minimum qualifications for applicants. A national search firm, which works exclusively on police executive searches, helped to circulate the application across the country.

The Commission received 54 applications. Based on the application brochure, the Commission developed a scoring rubric to evaluate written applications and to assess candidate interviews. After an initial screening and a thorough review of the applications by each Commissioner, the Commission invited 13 applicants to a first round of interviews. After the first round, the Commission invited 6 finalists to a second round of interviews. The process culminated with a special public meeting held on July 13, 2023, where the Commission voted on three candidates to submit to the Mayor.

Throughout the process, the Commission took great care to ensure the voices of the community were at the forefront. The Commission conducted seven community listening sessions across the entire city, including a virtual session and a session in Spanish. (All sessions were recorded and posted to the Commission’s YouTube channel.

The Commission met with the three unions that represent the vast majority of sworn members of the Chicago Police Department. To expand opportunities for people to provide input, the Commission developed and circulated several surveys. The Commission surveyed community members, organizations, members of law enforcement, and members of the newly elected District Councils, and obtained over 600 responses. The Commission also met with 34 subject matter experts and held targeted listening sessions with over 65 organizations spanning across multiple sectors, including activist and advocacy groups, business groups, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, labor groups, legal aid providers, and social service agencies.

On July 27, 2023 the CCPSA nominated the following candidates to Mayor Brandon Johnson for consideration:

• Shon F. Barnes (Madison, Wisconsin Chief of Police)
• Angel Novalez (CPD Chief of Constitutional Policing and Reform)
• Larry Snelling (CPD Chief of Counterterrorism)

More information about the process is available in the Commission’s 2023 Superintendent Search Process Report

What are next steps:

On August 13th, Mayor Brandon Johnson selected one of the candidates, Chief Larry Snelling, to be Chicago's next police Superintendent. Mayor Johnson's appointment must be voted on by the Chicago City Council. Prior to the City Council’s hearing and vote, the Commission must host a public hearing where Chief Snelling will appear and answer questions from both the Commission and the public. Participants can also provide comments about Chief Snelling.

The Commission will hold their public hearing on September 7, 2023 at 6:00pm at the Mexican Fine Arts Museum (1852 W 19th St, Chicago, IL 60608).

If you would like to ask a question or make a comment, you may attend the public hearing or use this form to pose questions or provide comments.

After Chief Snelling’s confirmation, the CCPSA will hold an additional four public forums across the city where the community can make comments, ask questions, and share recommendations about the Superintendent.

Press Releases about the Superintendent Search

• Press Release: March 1, 2023 - Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Announces Nationwide Search for New Chicago Police Superintendent
• Press Release: April 7, 2023 - Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability Invites Applications
• Press Release: April 26, 2023 – Commission Announces Hiring Public Sector as its Executive Search Firm
• Press Release: July 10, 2023 - Commission Announces Special Meeting to Vote on Finalists for Superintendent
• Press Release: July 13, 2023- Commission Nominates Three Candidates for Chicago Police Superintendent