Retiring Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling serves his last day

Chicago police Supt. Larry Snelling served his last day as the city's top cop on Wednesday.

Snelling announced his retirement earlier this month after 34 years with the department.

Known as a son of Englewood, Snelling served just shy of three years s the CPD's 64th police superintendent. He was appointed by Mayor Johnson in August 2023 and sworn in the following month. 

Before the position, he served as chief of the CPD Bureau of Counterterrorism.

Snelling has not said why he is retiring now, but he said he is proud of what Chicago police achieved under his leadership. He released a statement following his announcement thanking Mayor Brandon Johnson for the opportunity and said that, despite the progress during his time as superintendent, there is still work to be done. 

The statement read in part, "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. 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 has yet to say what his next plans will include.

CPD veteran Fred Waller will return as the interim superintendent until a permanent replacement is chosen. Waller served in the same role before Snelling was appointed.

Meanwhile, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will start a nationwide search for a new superintendent. The commission will recruit and interview people, conduct background checks, and present three candidates to Mayor Johnson.

All of this is supposed to happen by mid-November.

Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability president Remel Terry said one of the main qualities she'll look for is someone who can build bridges.

"The ability to connect everyone who has a stake in what's happening in public service so that means having the respect of the department, but also having the respect of the residents," Terry said.

Terry said the commission has gotten a lot of positive feedback about Supt. Snelling, saying he was accessible and led with integrity.

Snelling was the first superintendent recommended through the community-led process guided by the commission.

The superintendent's departure comes just weeks after the head of the Chicago FBI Douglas DePodesta, stepped down. Another law enforcement leader, Derek Meyer, came out of retirement to take over as head of Chicago's Secret Service office.

CBS News Chicago recently asked Meyer if he is worried about all the changes.

"The Secret Service has such strong partnerships and relationships with the Chicago Police Department and the FBI that just because they're leaving doesn't mean those partnerships won't stay as strong as possible," Mayer said.

Chicagoans will be invited to weigh in on the choice for the next CPD boss during at least four public hearings.

"We made history, and we want to continue that rich history in ensuring that all voices have space in sharing what they want from the next superintendent of Chicago," Terry said.

The dates and times of the public hearings have not been announced.