Forty-Four Candidates Applied for Chicago Police Chief
The application process for the next Chicago Police Department superintendent has concluded.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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Forty-four applicants have submitted their names to lead the Chicago Police Department following the retirement of former Superintendent Larry Snelling. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is now preparing to vet the candidates for the role.
Why it matters
The search for a new police chief is critical for the stability of the department and community safety in Chicago after the vacancy created by Snelling’s mid-year departure. The commission is tasked with identifying finalists who can lead the force effectively.
A total of 44 individuals applied for the police superintendent position by the September 24, 2026, deadline. The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability held five public meetings prior to the close of applications.
The players
Larry Snelling
He served as the superintendent of the Chicago Police Department until his retirement in July 2026.
Fred Waller
He is currently serving as the interim superintendent for the Chicago Police Department.
Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability
This body is responsible for interviewing police superintendent candidates and recommending finalists to the mayor.
The details
The commission will interview candidates throughout October 2026 to evaluate their leadership and decision-making capabilities. Following this process, they are required to recommend three finalists to the mayor by November 12, 2026, for potential City Council confirmation.
Timeline
July 15, 2026: Former Superintendent Larry Snelling retired from the department.
September 24, 2026: The application window for the superintendent position closed.
October 2026: The commission will conduct interviews with the applicants.
November 12, 2026: The commission must deliver three finalists to the mayor.
Legal Context
The current recruitment process follows established oversight protocols developed during the 2023 search. The search for a new police chief mirrors the 2023 Chicago Police Department superintendent selection process by involving commission-led vetting of candidates.
The selection of a new superintendent will determine the future leadership and operational direction of the city's police force. Residents may see changes in policing strategies once the permanent replacement is confirmed by the City Council.
The takeaway
Chicago residents should monitor the upcoming interview phase to understand the priorities of the potential finalists. A permanent superintendent is expected to be selected within 30 days of the mayor receiving the commission's list of finalists.
What happens next
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will begin interviewing candidates throughout October 2026. The final list of three candidates is scheduled to be submitted to the mayor by November 12, 2026.
Further reading
Learn more about local oversight efforts by visiting the Law Enforcement section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
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