Mayor Johnson selects Larry Snelling as next Chicago police superintendent

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Mayor Brandon Johnson has announced his choice for Chicago's next police superintendent: CPD Counterterrorism Bureau Chief Larry Snelling.

Johnson's pick for the Chicago's 64th police superintendent, so far, is welcome news for community and city leaders ABC7 has spoken with since that announcement was made.

The police union also shared its message of congratulations to Snelling on social media.

The announcement came after a months-long nationwide search. The mayor is set to formally introduce the South Side native as his pick for superintendent at City Hall on Monday.

"Today, a new chapter begins in our journey to create a better, stronger and safer Chicago as Chief Larry Snelling has been charged to lead the Chicago Police Department," Johnson said in a statement.

Snelling has served as the chief of CPD's Bureau of Counterterrorism since 2022, and started his career with CPD in 1992 as a patrol officer in the 7th District.

"I think he's going to take the police department in a whole brand new direction," said Ald. Chris Taliaferro. "As superintendent, Chief Snelling will have an opportunity to not only build community trust but build a better department."

Snelling, rising in the ranks, served as a sergeant in the 22nd District before returning his home community in Englewood as a watch operation lieutenant. Then, he was promoted to commander, and later, department chief of CPD's Area 2.

The future head of city's police department has deep roots in the community he serves. Snelling was a graduate of Englewood High School, and got his bachelor's degree in adult education from DePaul University.

"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," Snelling said in a statement. "It is also a tremendous responsibility, and one that I do not take lightly."

Darryl Smith, president of the Englewood Political Task Force, has worked alongside the former 7th District commander for years.

"He's human and he understands all of the things that we're going through in these communities that are underprivileged and underserved," Smith said. "We need someone that understands policing, understands community. And, when you put policing and community together, you can't lose."

The announcement does not make this appointment official just yet. Snelling's appointment is still subject the Chicago City Council's hearing and vote.

Before that happens, the Community Commission for Public Accountability will hold its own public hearing, where Snelling will have to answer questions from both the commission and the public.

"Chief Larry Snelling is a person who knows our city, a born and raised South-Sider. He loves our city. He loves our community. And, but, also he's capable," said Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability President Anthony Driver Jr. "He's a person that can be a generational leader, and has the potential to be the best superintendent the city's ever seen."