Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling will retire after 34 years with the department, ending a three-year tenure marked by record reductions in shootings, homicides, and violent crime.
Snelling will step down on July 15, 2026. Interim Superintendent Fred Waller will lead during the transition as the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability searches for a permanent superintendent. First Deputy Antoinette Ursitti will support Waller.
In his resignation letter, announced Wednesday, July 1, Snelling credited officers under his command for the crime reductions.
“During the past three years, I have had the privilege to lead this department through the 2024 Democratic National Convention and a record-low reduction in shootings, homicides and violent crime,” Snelling said. “While this happened during my tenure as Superintendent, the hard and courageous work of the members of the Chicago Police Department should be given the credit. 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.”
Snelling grew up on Chicago’s South Side and joined the Chicago Police Department in 1992 as a patrol officer in Englewood, the neighborhood where he was raised. He served as a sergeant, led Physical Skills and Operations Training at the Chicago Police Academy, and served as Commander and Deputy Chief of Area 2 before becoming superintendent.
In his statement, Snelling reflected on the dangers officers face daily and acknowledged families of fallen officers.
“Our members risk their lives 24 hours a day and 365 days a year to keep the people of our city safe, and it has been my honor to witness this lifesaving work every single day of my career,” he said. “We do not do this work alone. Thank you to our fellow Chicagoans, who also step up in our communities citywide to work alongside us as we strengthen safety in every neighborhood for our families and children.”
Snelling also addressed the department’s losses.
“As I reflect on the past three years, I also reflect on the most difficult moments we have had as a department and city. 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.”
He also pledged to ensure fallen officers and Gold Star Families are never forgotten.
Mayor Brandon Johnson thanked Snelling for his unwavering commitment and dedicated leadership in advancing community safety strategies rooted in strong partnerships and community engagement.
“Leadership may transition, but our commitment to building safe communities and serving our residents with care and compassion does not,” his statement said. “As we continue through the summer, the structures, coordination, and partnerships that drive our community safety efforts remain firmly in place.”
Alderman Silvana Tabares (23rd) recognized Snelling’s service and praised his leadership through the 2024 Democratic National Convention and his work with Cook County State’s Attorney Eileen O’Neill Burke on public safety initiatives.
However, she raised concerns about the timing during summer months, when gun violence typically increases citing the need for a clear plan from the Mayor.
“Who will lead during this transition?” she asked. “What specific strategies are in place right now to prevent violence this summer? And how will we build on the progress made in reducing homicides and shootings? Our residents cannot afford any gaps in leadership or focus. Public safety must remain the top priority.”
Alderman Raymond Lopez (15th Ward) expressed shock at Snelling’s departure while suggesting tensions between the superintendent and Mayor Johnson’s office may have contributed to the decision.
“My understanding is that tensions have been high between the fifth floor and 35th and Michigan, since Memorial Day, when the following week, there was a teen trend where the police department arrested dozens of individuals under the superintendent’s direction and Brandon Johnson was livid, that words were exchanged, and even at that point, I am told Snelling was ready to leave,” Lopez said.
He said the mayor’s office attempted to convince Snelling to stay until October, but the superintendent declined.
Lopez defended Snelling’s decision, saying he should not be faulted for refusing to be “handcuffed” by the mayor while fulfilling his oath to protect the public.
Lopez also questioned the interim leadership structure. He noted that while Waller has served in bridge capacities before, Snelling had appointed First Deputy Superintendent Antoinette Ursitti as his number two. Lopez found it noteworthy that the mayor chose not to allow Ursitti to serve as interim superintendent, despite that role being part of her job description.
Alderman Marty Quinn (13th) praised Snelling for his Democratic National Convention leadership and raising CPD rank and file morale.
His only regret is that Mayor Johnson put a “brick” on what he believes is Superintendent Snelling’s agreement that a new 8th District police station is still needed on the southwest side, he said.
“But on balance, Larry Snelling did a fantastic job for the residents of the city of Chicago,” Quinn said. “A true leader, a true gentleman, and you never had to question who was in charge of the department.”
The alderman said the superintendent’s letter of resignation said all that anyone needs to know about the “Supe’s” character.
“It was heartfelt and thoughtful and really lent his accomplishments to all of the hard work that the men and women that put on the blue uniform every day do,” Quinn said.
Often on the front lines with officers and despite negative connotations about police, “… Superintendent Snelling was unapologetic about being the police,” he said.
In the end, Snelling said his motivation came from his earliest days in the department citing a framed t-shirt in his office that he wore as a new recruit as a reminder of his beginnings with CPD.
“When I walked into the Police Academy at 22 years old, I wanted to protect those who needed help and make a difference in the lives around me,” he said. “More than three decades later, I hope I did just that.”