Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson selects new police superintendent

Johnson selected Chicago Police Counterterrorism Chief Larry Snelling as the next police superintendent. Snelling will replace interim Supt. Fred Waller, who began serving in May following Johnson’s inauguration.

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The mayor called Snelling’s selection the beginning of a “new chapter” to create a “better, stronger and safer Chicago.”

“Chief Snelling is a proven leader who has the experience and the respect of his peers to help ensure the safety and well-being of city residents, and address the complex challenges we all face related to community safety,” Johnson said in a statement, adding that he believes he and Snelling will work together to create “comprehensive strategies” to address public safety.

Snelling has worked for the CPD for more than three decades, with experience in constitutional policing. He has been called to be an expert witness in more than two dozen criminal and civil cases involving police officers.

“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. It is also a tremendous responsibility, and one that I do not take lightly,” Snelling said in a statement via Chicago Tribune.

Snelling has been twice honored with the Chicago Police Department’s Life Saving Award. Most notably, Snelling designed the city’s use-of-force training model, which was praised at the 2012 NATO summit for its largely nonconfrontational approaches. However, he was suspended at least twice over his career, both relating to the use of force, for a total of seven days.

Johnson was presented with three finalists — Snelling, Shon Barnes, and Angel Novalez — on July 14. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability said Johnson had 30 days to either select one of the three or request a new pool of candidates.

Snelling’s selection must now be approved by the Chicago City Council, which has 60 days to confirm him. A press conference announcing his selection by Johnson is expected for Monday morning.

“Chief Snelling’s remarkable career and long tenure with the Chicago Police Department make him an exceptional choice for the role of Superintendent,” Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability president Anthony Driver said. “His proven leadership as chief of the bureau that focuses on criminal networks and narcotics, his dedication to cultivating robust community relations, and his fervent commitment to elevating professional standards within the Department set him apart as a proven leader.”

Once approved, Snelling will become the 64th leader of the Chicago Police Department. Former Supt. Eric Carter, who Waller replaced, stepped down following Johnson’s inauguration on May 15. In February, Carter replaced former Supt. David Brown, who resigned after former Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her reelection bid.

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The selection of Snelling is one of Johnson’s most critical moves as he works to establish a relationship with law enforcement and police unions that did not support him in the general election. Law enforcement figures and leaders had expressed concern that Johnson’s comprehensive approach to crime would result in higher crime rates and unsafe streets.

The Washington Examiner reached out to the Fraternal Order of Police for comment.