Chicago Police Department Discontinues Roll Call Podcast
The department confirmed the end of the series following the departure of key staff members.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Law Enforcement
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The Chicago Police Department has officially discontinued its Roll Call podcast. The program, which was managed by the Bureau of Patrol, concluded after a series of resignations and retirements among its primary production team.
Why it matters
The podcast was initiated to foster communication within the community, but the loss of key personnel involved in its development prompted its termination.
The series comprised 15 episodes and one trailer, totaling more than 200 minutes of content. The Chicago Police Department confirmed the conclusion of the project in October 2026.
The players
Larry Snelling
He is the former Chicago Police Department Superintendent who launched the podcast series in 2025.
Jon Hein
He served as the executive producer of the Roll Call podcast before retiring on May 31, 2026.
Joshua Wallace
He was a host of the podcast and retired from the department in July 2026.
Miriam Sobh
She served as a host for the department program before transitioning to a private sector role in August 2026.
Chicago Police Department
This municipal law enforcement agency produced the podcast through its Bureau of Patrol.
The details
The Bureau of Patrol oversaw the production of the podcast, which maintained a near-monthly update cadence since its debut. The project ended as central figures, including the former superintendent and lead hosts, transitioned out of their roles with the department.
Timeline
The Roll Call podcast was launched in 2025.
Executive producer Jon Hein retired from the department on May 31, 2026.
Superintendent Larry Snelling resigned and host Joshua Wallace retired in July 2026.
Host Miriam Sobh moved to an engineering firm in August 2026.
The department confirmed the cancellation of the podcast in October 2026.
Legal Context
This decision marks a departure from the 2025 Chicago Police Department communications strategy that prioritized digital media engagement. The closure reflects a wider trend of municipal agencies reevaluating the sustainability of in-house media production.
Residents who relied on the podcast for updates regarding department activities will need to seek information through alternative official department channels. The discontinuation of the series does not impact current field operations or public safety protocols.
The takeaway
The end of this production highlights the challenges of maintaining specialized public outreach programs when key personnel move on. Organizations seeking to implement similar projects should account for staff turnover to ensure long-term sustainability.
Further reading
Learn more about local public safety initiatives on the Law Enforcement section page.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WTTW News.
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