Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling is hanging up his badge this summer, announcing Wednesday that he will retire from the department effective July 15, closing out more than 30 years with the Chicago Police Department. Mayor Brandon Johnson has named Fred Waller as interim superintendent and publicly thanked Snelling for his service, kicking off a fast-moving leadership shuffle as CPD continues work on court-ordered reforms and citywide public safety priorities.
As reported by CBS Chicago, Snelling informed the mayor earlier this month and wrote in his resignation letter, "After more than 30 years of service within the Chicago Police Department, I have made the difficult decision to retire on July 15, 2026." The department later posted that letter on its social channels, and ABC7 Chicago noted that Johnson issued a formal statement naming Waller to step in on an interim basis.
Tenure, Crime Trends and Controversy
Snelling joined CPD in 1992 and worked his way through the ranks before being confirmed as Chicago’s 64th superintendent in 2023, according to the AP. Supporters credit his tenure with multiyear drops in violent crime, while longform reporting has also highlighted tensions around rising use-of-force incidents and moments when command decisions drew sharp public scrutiny. For deeper background on his leadership style and internal reputation, Chicago Magazine has chronicled his time atop the department, as did our 2023 coverage of the City Council confirmation.
What’s Next for the Department
Under city rules, Johnson must now choose a permanent successor from a list of candidates vetted by the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, with the City Council holding the final say. The CCPSA outlines a multi-step selection process that includes public input and commission review before a name lands on the mayor’s desk. In the meantime, ABC7 Chicago reports that Waller will steer the department as interim superintendent while City Hall and the commission work through the transition.
Local Reaction and Stakes
Reaction from elected officials and neighborhood groups is expected to be mixed. Some see Snelling as a stabilizing force who helped morale and contributed to declines in shootings, while advocates and oversight voices argue that whoever comes next must keep reform and accountability squarely in focus, as detailed by Chicago Magazine. With a July 15 handoff on the calendar, the CCPSA, City Hall and alderpersons will be under pressure to move quickly on a permanent pick who can navigate both public safety demands and the ongoing push to remake how Chicago polices itself.
