CHICAGO – Chicago Police Counterterrorism Chief Larry Snelling is Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choice to run the Chicago Police Department.
After reports surfaced over the weekend about Snelling, Johnson made the word official Monday in a news conference.
Snelling says he will run the department with integrity, after years of discrimination and excessive force complaints by black residents against Chicago cops.
“Transparency is key. I will tell you the truth,” said Snelling. “Sometimes, people won’t be comfortable. But, I can guarantee you it will be the truth.”
The Chicago City Council must still approve Snelling’s selection, which could come later this week.
“I think, with a better understanding of what our police officers are doing on a daily basis, more shared information, I think it will build, and help to bridge that gap between community and police officers,” said Snelling.
Snelling will succeed David Brown, who in March announced that he would step down the day after Chicago’s mayoral primary election. WFLD-TV in Chicago reports Fred Brown has been running the department on an interim basis since May 15.
Snelling, 54, has worked for the department the last 28 years.
HAPPENING NOW: Mayor Johnson holds a media availability with Chief Larry Snelling, his selection as next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. https://t.co/pxE2pDDK0m
— Mayor Brandon Johnson (@ChicagosMayor) August 14, 2023
