Community Priorities for Chicago Police Leadership

Two months after the retirement of former Superintendent Larry Snelling, Chicago residents have voiced their expectations for the new leader of the Chicago Police Department. The community desires comprehensive action on various issues.

“If there’s something happening in my community, we call the police first,” said Sharon Pincham, president of the West Chesterfield Community Association.

The Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) held five listening sessions to gather resident feedback regarding the next superintendent’s qualities. The deadline to submit three finalists to Mayor Brandon Johnson is Nov. 12.

The Selection Process

The job opening was posted on Aug. 27 and will close on Sept. 24. Although the number of applications remains unknown, insights from residents will shape interview questions for prospective candidates. CCPSA President Remel Terry emphasized the need for a superintendent who appreciates Chicago’s progress and aims to further departmental reforms.

Community Listening Sessions

During listening sessions, residents called for enhanced police training and adherence to consent decrees. Many advocated for the new leader to be locally sourced. They highlighted the need for prioritizing the safety of Chicagoans over solidarity with other law enforcement agencies.

CCPSA has 120 days to submit three job finalists for mayoral selection, followed by a City Council vote. A search firm has been tasked, and CCPSA will select nominees at its Nov. 12 meeting. Snelling departed after almost three years in the role, praised across the city. Yet, bureaucratic challenges within CCPSA have become evident since.

Former CCPSA President Anthony Driver Jr. urged amendments to allow more search time, but the proposal gained little traction. With the upcoming mayoral election in February 2027, the reporting structure for the new superintendent remains unclear.

Mayor Brandon Johnson appointed Fred Waller, a former CPD supervisor, as interim superintendent. He continues to lead during this transition.

Commission Infighting

Prior to an Aug. 27 CCPSA meeting, organizers from the Chicago Alliance Against Racist and Political Repression rallied to propose bylaw changes. They aimed to remove Commissioner Sandra Wortham from a working group, citing corruption concerns. Jasmine Smith, co-chair of CAARPR, criticized Wortham’s representation of the community.

“Corruption remains throughout the Chicago Police Department,” Smith stated.

At the meeting, Wortham defended against allegations, arguing the proposed bylaw changes were attempts to suppress debate.

Community Demands and Challenges

About 100 individuals attended the Morgan Park High School meeting, displaying generational divides. Younger participants focused on oversight, while older attendees emphasized the removal of experienced officers from majority-Black patrol districts.

As Chicago’s next police leader faces complex issues, citywide crime rates have remained stable. Nonetheless, violence varies by neighborhood. A significant increase in shootings in Area 1, covering most of the South Side, highlights ongoing challenges.

Alderman Raymond Lopez called for a return to basic measures to reduce shootings, suggesting targeted action against problematic buildings and criminal elements.