Full Breakdown
Larry Snelling Announces Retirement as Chicago Police Superintendent
7/2/2026, 4:07:45 PM
Retirement and Interim Leadership
Larry Snelling will retire on July 15, 2026. In a letter he expressed gratitude, and Deputy Superintendent Fred Waller will serve as interim superintendent while a search for a permanent leader begins.
Career and Reforms
Snelling joined CPD in 1992 as a South Side patrol officer, commanded the 7th District in Englewood and served as counterterrorism chief. The City Council unanimously confirmed him as superintendent in 2023. His tenure featured National Guard deployments during the immigration crackdown, preparation for the 2024 Democratic National Convention, and implementation of a 2019 consent decree requiring expanded community policing, revised use-of-force training, and constitutional policing curricula.
Crime Trends
According to the latest CPD statistics, murders in Chicago are down 32 % and shootings down 41 % compared with 2023. City officials have noted that overall crime rate has declined each year of Snelling’s leadership, and violent-crime numbers reached record lows during his tenure.
Mayor’s Remarks
Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked Snelling for his “dedicated leadership” and said the department’s community-safety strategy reflects strong partnerships. He confirmed Fred Waller’s interim role and that the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will lead the search for a permanent superintendent.
Critics’ Concerns
Alderman Ray Lopez warned that the city’s violent summer months are approaching and asked who will lead CPD amid “street takeovers and teen trends.” Fraternal Order of Police president John Catanzara suggested a “tense relationship” with the mayor contributed to Snelling’s decision. Lopez also noted that a placeholder interim superintendent could limit long-term planning.
Verbatim Quotes
- “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. Thank you does not fully express my appreciation for you, the people of Chicago.” — Larry Snelling, Superintendent
- “As things get increasingly hot. As these street takeovers and teen trends continue in the City of Chicago who is going to be at the helm of the police department,” — Ald. Ray Lopez, 15th Ward
- “Everything at news affairs ran through the fifth floor of City Hall before it came out at 35th and Michigan,” — John Catanzara, President, Fraternal Order of Police
Successor Search and Outlook
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will start a search for Snelling’s successor, covering the summer surge in violent crime and upcoming mayoral election. Stakeholders will monitor how transition affects consent-decree compliance and whether crime-reduction trends continue under new leadership.
