2026 CPD Superintendent Search

Community Feedback Form Join a Listening Session (Coming Soon) 2026 Application Brochure (Coming Soon)

About the Search

Following the retirement of Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling, the Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability (CCPSA) has begun the process of identifying candidates to serve as Chicago’s next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department.

Under Section 2-80-040 of the Municipal Code of Chicago, the Commission is responsible for conducting a 120-day nationwide search to recommend three finalists to the Mayor. As part of this process, the Commission will retain an independent executive search firm through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, recruit qualified candidates from across the country, and conduct a transparent, community-informed evaluation process.

Public participation is an essential part of the search. Throughout the process, the Commission will provide opportunities for residents, Chicago Police Department members, District Councils, local and national public safety and policing experts, community organizations, and other stakeholders to share input on the qualities and priorities they believe are most important in Chicago’s next Superintendent.

This is the second Superintendent search conducted by the Commission. In 2023, the Commission led Chicago’s first community-driven Superintendent search, engaging thousands of residents and stakeholders before nominating three finalists to the Mayor. Larry Snelling was ultimately appointed Superintendent by the Mayor and confirmed unanimously by the Chicago City Council.

2023 Superintendent Search Process Report

Search Process and Timeline

The Superintendent search is conducted over a 120-day period in accordance with the Municipal Code. While specific dates may vary throughout the process, the search generally follows four phases:

Phase
What to Expect
1. Planning & Preparation
The Commission launches the search, retains a national executive search firm through a competitive Request for Proposals (RFP) process, develops recruitment materials, and prepares for public engagement and candidate recruitment.
2. Community Engagement
The Commission gathers input from residents, District Councils, Chicago Police Department members, public safety and policing experts, community organizations, and other stakeholders through listening sessions, stakeholder meetings, and an online community feedback form. This input helps inform the leadership qualities and priorities sought in the next Superintendent.
3. Candidate Recruitment & Evaluation
Working with the selected executive search firm, the Commission recruits qualified candidates from across the country, reviews applications, conducts interviews, and evaluates candidates using the requirements of the Municipal Code and insights gathered through community engagement.
4. Final Selection
Following its evaluation process, the Commission votes during a public meeting to recommend three finalists to the Mayor. Under the Municipal Code, the Mayor appoints one of the finalists or returns the list to the Commission with a written explanation requesting a new slate of candidates.

Community Engagement

Public participation is an essential part of the Superintendent search. The Municipal Code requires the Commission to hold at least four public hearings to gather recommendations from Chicagoans before selecting candidates for Superintendent, including at least one hearing on the North Side, South Side, and West Side of the city.

In addition to the required public hearings, the Commission will conduct a broad community engagement process that includes stakeholder meetings, focus groups, subject matter expert interviews, District Council engagement, and an online community feedback form to ensure Chicagoans have multiple opportunities to participate throughout the search.

Upcoming Public Hearing/Listening Sessions

Join us at an upcoming community meeting to share your thoughts on the qualities, priorities, and leadership characteristics you want to see in Chicago’s next Superintendent.

Dates coming soon.

Candidate Information

Individuals interested in serving as Chicago’s next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department can learn more about the position and application process below.

2026 Application Brochure (Coming Soon)