Politics
Chicago Police Superintendent Search Narrows to Three Finalists as CCPSA Prepares Thursday Announcement
The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability will select three finalists from 46 applicants for Chicago's next police superintendent at a public meeting Thursday, leaving Mayor Brandon Johnson 30 days to choose. The search follows Larry Snelling's July retirement and comes as City Council members worry political uncertainty could deter strong candidates.
Chicago's four-month search for a new police superintendent reaches a pivotal moment Thursday, when the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability is expected to name three finalists from a field of 46 applicants.
The commission will announce its shortlist at a public meeting at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd., beginning at 6:30 p.m. Mayor Brandon Johnson then has 30 days to select one of the three or reject the entire list with a written explanation to the commission, which would have another 30 days to submit a new slate.
The 46 applications are roughly comparable to the pool that produced former Superintendent Larry Snelling three years ago, according to commission President Remel Terry.
"The pool of candidates are in alignment with what we saw previously, and so we are really excited to make this announcement," Terry said.
Snelling retired in July, setting off a nationwide search. The commission held public hearings and listening sessions to shape its criteria, hearing repeatedly that residents want violent crime reduced, trust rebuilt between police and communities, and officer wellness and morale improved.
"We're mainly focused on what they wanted to see continued under Superintendent Larry Snelling implemented and what they wanted to see, you know, added to whomever takes this seat," Terry said.
The commission also consulted police officers, public safety experts and the candidates themselves. It is looking both inside the department and across the country for someone who understands the city's challenges, has experience and demonstrates leadership, Terry said.
"People want this position. They want to serve the constituents of Chicago, and what may be happening politically was not a deterrent," she said.
That political backdrop is a concern for some City Council members. Johnson faces reelection next year, and aldermen have warned that a strong candidate could be pushed aside if a new mayor wants a different superintendent.
Asked whether the commission could be forced back to the drawing board under a new mayor, Terry said: "I think anything is possible, but I'm confident that we are selecting candidates that are ready for Chicago at this given moment."
Whoever is chosen will serve at the pleasure of the mayor and must still win City Council approval. The finalists' names and backgrounds are expected to become public at Thursday's meeting, giving residents their first clear look at the people competing to lead the nation's second-largest police department.