Larry Snelling (Facebook video screenshot)

A 21-year member of the Chicago Police Department will be leading the force.

Larry Snelling received a unanimous vote from the Chicago City Council on Wednesday, Sept. 27 to secure the position.

The new superintendent joined the department in 1992 as a patrol officer in his home community of Englewood and most recently served as chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism.

“I am grateful for the City Council’s confirmation of Supt. Larry Snelling, 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 said his community-based policing experience in his home community remained core to his values and his experiences as he ascended through the department.

After serving as a patrol officer in the Englewood (7^th) District, Snelling was promoted to sergeant, serving in the Morgan Park (22^nd) District and Physical Skills and Operations sections for recruit training at the Chicago Police Academy. He returned to the 7^th 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,” Snelling said. “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.

Snelling was raised on the South Side of Chicago. He is a product of Chicago Public Schools, graduating from Englewood High School. He holds a bachelor’s degree in adult education from DePaul University.

Snelling redesigned the department’s 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 living it in good hands with Superintendent Snelling.”

In 2022, 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 Garien Gatewood, deputy mayor of community safety. “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 Anthony Driver, president of the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability. “Superintendent Snelling has spent his 28-year policing career fostering invaluable relationships with the CPD as well as city residents, community leaders, and public safety organizations. Under his leadership, he will build the bridges necessary for a community-oriented safety strategy.”

His confirmation comes after a months-long search led by the CCPSA.