Key facts
- Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced his retirement after three years in the position.
- Snelling took over the 12,000-officer department three years ago.
- He focused on innovation, increasing trust between police and the community, and reducing violent crime.
- Murders and shootings are down 32% and 41% respectively in 2024 compared to 2023.
- Snelling will retire on July 15, with Fred Waller serving as interim superintendent.
Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced on Wednesday that he will retire after a three-year tenure leading the nation's second-largest police force. Snelling took command of the 12,000-officer department amid fluctuating crime rates, emphasizing innovation, community trust, and efforts to reduce violent crime. So far in 2024, murders and shootings have decreased by 32% and 41% respectively compared to the same period in 2023.
Snelling's tenure included navigating the complexities of federal immigration enforcement actions under President Donald Trump and preparing the city for the Democratic National Convention. He also oversaw the department's efforts to comply with a 2019 consent decree aimed at addressing civil rights abuses and improving community policing and use-of-force training.
Mayor Brandon Johnson expressed gratitude for Snelling's leadership and the progress made in community safety strategies. Snelling, who joined the department in 1992 and previously served as counterterrorism chief, will retire on July 15. Fred Waller is set to serve as interim superintendent while a search for his replacement is conducted.