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NewsChicago Sun-TimesJuly 1, 2026United States

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling Announces Retirement

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling has announced he will retire on July 15, 2024, after less than three years in the role. His departure follows reports of tension with Mayor Brandon Johnson’s administration regarding police department funding, the removal of gunshot-detection technology, and internal staffing controversies.

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Why It Matters

The resignation of the city's top law enforcement official triggers a search for a new permanent police and highlights ongoing policy disagreements between the Mayor and the police department regarding budget cuts and public safety strategies.

Key Facts

  • Larry Snelling will retire as Chicago Police Superintendent on July 15, 2024.
  • Fred Waller will serve as acting police superintendent during the search for a permanent replacement.
  • The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will lead the search for a new superintendent.
  • Mayor Johnson has reduced the police department budget through attrition in each of his three city budgets.
  • The city is creating a new standalone department focused on gun violence prevention.
  • The city discontinued the use of ShotSpotter gunshot-detection technology.
  • Snelling joined the Chicago Police Department in 1992.
  • Violent crime rates and murders reached historic lows during Snelling's tenure.

Who's Mentioned

organizationCommunity Commission for Public Safety and Accountability“Oversight body responsible for the superintendent search”organizationChicago Police Department“The municipal police force”personKennedy Bartley“Chief External Affairs Officer for the Mayor”personBrandon Johnson“Mayor of Chicago”personBrian Hopkins“City Council member, 2nd Ward”personLarry Snelling“Outgoing Chicago Police Superintendent”personMatt O'Shea“City Council member, 19th Ward”personFred Waller“Acting Police Superintendent”