CHICAGO – Today, Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism Larry Snelling was confirmed as the Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department by a unanimous vote from the Chicago City Council.  

“I’m grateful for the City Council’s confirmation of Superintendent Larry Snelling today, marking a step forward in our journey to create a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” said Mayor Brandon Johnson. “Superintendent Snelling is a proven leader who has the experience and the respect of his peers to help ensure the safety and well-being of all city residents, and address the complex challenges we all face related to community safety.

“I am confident that by working collaboratively with our new superintendent and all vested stakeholders inside government and beyond, we can develop and implement comprehensive strategies that address the unique needs of each community and improve public safety throughout our great city.”

Snelling joined CPD in 1992 as a patrol officer in his home community of Englewood. This type of community-based policing experience remained core to his values and his experience as he ascended through the department

After serving as a patrol officer in the 7th (Englewood) District, Superintendent Snelling was promoted to sergeant, serving in the 22nd (Morgan Park) District and Physical Skills and Operations sections for recruit training at the Police Academy. He returned to the 7th District as watch operations lieutenant before being promoted to commander, and later, deputy chief of Area 2. 

“It is a tremendous honor to answer the call to serve my hometown and the people of Chicago as Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department, and I thank the City Council for the overwhelming support,” said Superintendent Larry Snelling. “In order to continue to make progress as a department, we must embrace innovation and partnership, continue to strengthen morale, and go further in strengthening bonds of trust between police and community.

“We will do this in collaboration with Mayor Johnson and the full force of government. I promise to work with and on behalf of every community to strengthen safety and build a stronger city for the people of Chicago."
Superintendent Snelling was raised on the South Side of Chicago. He is a product of Chicago Public Schools, graduating from Englewood High School, and holds a bachelor’s degree in adult education from DePaul University.

Superintendent Snelling redesigned the Department’s current force training model around national best practices and constitutional policing and has testified as an expert in federal use of force cases. Additionally, he was a lead trainer for field force training for the 2012 Chicago NATO Summit.

"I have seen Superintendent Snelling grow throughout his career and I know he is prepared to lead this Department with a fresh vision and a sincere love for our city," said Interim Superintendent Fred Waller. "It has been a privilege to lead CPD during this time and I know I am leaving it in good hands with Superintendent Snelling."

In 2022, Superintendent Snelling was promoted to Chief of the Department’s Bureau of Counterterrorism, which coordinates with the Office of Emergency Management and Communication and other city agencies, as well as other local, county, state and federal emergency responders, to respond to city emergencies

"I am thrilled to see Superintendent Snelling take the helm of the Chicago Police Department,” said Deputy Mayor of Community Safety Garien Gatewood. “As a pillar of this community as well as the rank and file of CPD, Snelling offers a vital perspective and unwavering commitment to community safety that will help transition the CPD into a new era of compassionate community policing and building safety for all.” 

“I have full confidence in Superintendent Snelling’s ability to navigate the many challenges and champion an era of constitutional reform for the Chicago Police Department,” said Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) President Anthony Driver. “Superintendent Snelling has spent his 28-year policing career fostering invaluable relationships with the CPD as well as with city residents, community leaders, and public safety organizations. Under his leadership, he will build the bridges necessary for a community-oriented safety strategy.”  

The confirmation comes after a months-long, deliberative search and process led by the CCPSA.  

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