(The Center Square) – Former Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism Larry Snelling officially took over Wednesday as superintendent of the Chicago Police Department. The confirmation comes after a month-long wait.
Chicago City Council members unanimously confirmed Mayor Brandon Johnson’s choice for Chicago’s top cop. Snelling was sworn into the position after the vote Wednesday afternoon.
Snelling was nominated for the position by Johnson in August and has previously served as the Chief of the Bureau of Counterterrorism. Johnson said he was happy with the vote and that Snelling will be a “proven leader.”
“I’m grateful for the City Council’s confirmation of Superintendent Larry Snelling today, marking a step forward in our journey to create a better, stronger, safer Chicago,” Johnson said. “Superintendent Snelling is a proven leader who has the experience and the respect of his peers to help ensure the safety and well-being of all city residents and address the complex challenges we all face related to community safety.”
Snelling released a statement Wednesday after taking his oath and promised to work with the residents to make Chicago safer.
“In order to continue to make progress as a department, we must embrace innovation and partnership, continue to strengthen morale, and strengthen bonds of trust between police and community,” Snelling said. “I promise to work with and on behalf of every community to strengthen safety and build a stronger city for the people of Chicago.”
Snelling takes the role amid high crime in the city. Chicago police statistics show that carjackings are up 86% from last year, and overall crime has increased by 29%.
