Chicago public safety commission to holds first public meeting in police superintendent search
Just a month after Chicago's police leader stepped down, the search to find his replacement has begun.
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability kicked off the search by starting with listening to the public.
A public meeting was held on Monday evening at Malcom X College, one of four sessions that will take place across the city.
The commission has 120 days to hear from the public, consider candidates and get those top three contenders to the mayor's office for selection.
Just three years ago, the CCPSA helped in the elevation of former Chicago Police Department Superintendent Larry Snelling.
"It's an opportunity that I am prepared for this again," said Commission President Romel Terry.
Terry was among the commissioners back in 2023 who heard from the community and vetted the candidates. Now, with Snelling's retirement, the first of the listening sessions got underway on Monday evening.
West Side resident Princess Shaw was among dozens who came to Malcolm X College, all to let the commission know what they want in the next CPD leader.
"I definitely believe that my voice is being heard," she said.
Meanwhile, many are conflicted on whether a rank-and-file cop should get pulled or go outside like David Brown in 2020.
"It's really hard to say," Shaw said. "When we did have the plentiful of officers, we wouldn't be able to look from the inside, but at that point they weren't looking from the inside.
"Through the tenure of Jodi Weis, McCarthy and David Brown, I strongly lean towards bringing someone from the inside," said Dwayne Truss.
The commission stresses this is a nationwide search. It just hired a firm to help out.
"We don't know who's going to apply and our goal is to ensure that we are effectively reviewing every candidate and lining them up to what we're hearing from Chicago," Terry said.
The clock's ticking on the 120-day selection process. The commission has until Nov. 12 to pick three contenders for the mayor to select.
However, with Brandon Johnson yet to announce a second run and other high-profile names already in the race or considering running, many question if selection should wait until voters decide.
"It should be held off until after the election," Truss said.
"That we do see someone we like, and then we have the new mayor that's coming in. We should at least allow that new superintendent to at least be able to show or prove themselves," Shaw said.
Commissioner Terry points out Snelling was an internal and was picked by Johnson and he resigned, so there are no guarantees.
Dates and times for upcoming public meetings
Session 2
Aug. 25, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Kennedy High School (6325 W. 56th St.)
Session 3
Aug. 27, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
Morgan Park Academy (2153 W. 111th St.)
Session 4
Sept. 2, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
DePaul College Prep (3300 N. Campbell Ave.)
Session 5
Sept. 10, 2026 at 6:30 p.m.
The community can also share feedback online through the CCPSA website.
