Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling To Retire After Overseeing Historic Drop In Crime

Chicago’s top cop is stepping down.

Chicago Police Supt. Larry Snelling announced Wednesday that he has made the “difficult decision” to retire after three decades on the force, including the last three as the city’s police chief. His last day is July 15.

In a statement, Snelling recounted serving in multiple positions since starting as a police officer at 22 years old before rising through the ranks and being tapped for the job by Mayor Brandon Johnson in 2023. He oversaw the city’s security for the 2024 Democratic National Convention as well as a “record” reduction in shootings, homicides and violent crime. The 416 homicides last year were the lowest since 1965.

“Throughout my career, I have had the opportunity to give back to the city I love through different assignments across the department,” the statement said. “I must also thank Mayor Brandon Johnson for choosing me to serve the residents of Chicago and to lead the heroic men and women of the Chicago Police Department.

“Though I am proud of what we have achieved, there is more to be done, and I am confident that we created a foundation for further progress,” he said.

In a statement Wednesday, Johnson praised Snelling’s leadership at the Police Department, especially after violent crime spiked post-pandemic.

“We’re grateful for Superintendent Snelling’s dedicated leadership and the work we’ve accomplished together to advance a community safety strategy rooted in strong partnerships and deep community engagement across Chicago,” Johnson said.

Johnson said the Police Department will be led on an interim basis by Fred Waller, a longtime CPD veteran who previously acted as the city’s top cop when Johnson took office in 2023.

A full search process for the next full-time superintendent will be conducted by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, the city’s elected police oversight body.

Snelling’s departure had been rumored and is not necessarily surprising, considering the upcoming mayoral election and the uncertainty as to whether Johnson will win a second term. New mayors almost always bring in their own police chief.

Snelling’s tenure was marked with less acrimony then other superintendents, including Eddie Johnson, who was fired in 2019 after being found asleep in a running police car after reportedly being out drinking.

Others on Wednesday praised his leadership.

Ald. Scott Waguespack (32nd) said Snelling’s departure “retiring July 15th “is a serious loss for our City. Doesn’t help that it’s midsummer. He is a great leader in the department and will be missed.”

Activist Ja’Mal Green said “Snelling has beebeen an amazing leader of CPD. For years, he’s been a great friend and asset to the community. … He has stood in his own light and did what he felt was best throughout this administration.” I’m proud of him because he didn’t play politics, he did what he felt was best even when his hands were tied. Thank you for serving this city well my friend.”

Snelling thanked both his officers as well as residents of the city, and noted the victims of violence, including officers killed on duty as well as those killed on the streets.

“As I reflect on the past three years, I also reflect on the most difficult moments we have had as a department and city,” he said. “Families in this city lost loved ones to violence, and too many officers were killed in the line of duty because of the same violence they worked to protect everyone from. No matter what, I will always work to ensure the sacrifices of our fallen heroes and the strength and resilience of our Gold Star Families are never forgotten.”

Reporter Quinn Myers contributed.