2026 CPD Superintendent Search
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.
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:
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.
Share Your Feedback
Complete our Community Feedback FormUpcoming 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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
General Process
How long does the Commission have to complete its search for the next Superintendent of the Chicago Police Department?
The Commission has 120 days to conduct a search for Superintendent once a vacancy occurs. The Commission started its search on July 16 and will complete the search by voting for three candidates to send to the Mayor for consideration at its November 12 monthly Commission meeting.
Does the Commission intend to delay the search until after the 2027 municipal elections?
The Commission will continue to conduct the search within the 120-days as required under the ordinance. Any change to that timeline would require an amendment to the CCCPSA ordinance, which can only be made by the City Council.
How does the Commisssion search for qualified candidates?
By ordinance, the Commission must conduct a nation-wide search. While not required, the Commission utilizes a search firm that specializes in law enforcement and public safety leadership.
In 2023, how many applications did the Commission receive during its search for Superintendent?
In 2023, the Commission received 54 applications and interviewed 16 candidates.
How does the Commission decide on who to interview for Superintendent?
All Commissioners review applications using scoring rubric that was created with the input received from the community, subject matter experts and members of law enforcement. Commissioners then meet in closed session to choose candidates to interview in round one.
How many rounds of interviews are conducted by the Commission?
The Commission conducts two rounds of interviews. All Commissioners are involved in creating interview questions, evaluating interviews and deciding on which candidates advance to round two.
How does the Commission decide on what three candidates to send to the Mayor for consideration?
After the Commission completes its interviews, it meets in closed session to deliberate on three candidates for consideration. The search firm then conducts reference and background checks. The final selection is voted on by the Commission at a public meeting.
What is the role of the Commission’s Superintendent Search working group in this process?
The workgroup’s role is to support and help facilitate the search process alongside staff and the retained search firm. Major decisions throughout the search, including determining which candidates advance to interviews and selecting the three finalists submitted to the Mayor, will be made by the full Commission.
What happens after the Commission submits names to the Mayor for consideration?
After the Commission makes its selection of three candidates to send to the Mayor, the Mayor has 30 days to select a candidate or provide the Commission with a reason in writing for rejecting candidates. The Commission will have to provide three more names if the Mayor rejects the Commission’s choices. This process continues until a candidate is selected.
What happens after the mayor makes his decision and sends the names to City Council?
Once the Mayor submits name to City Council. The Commission must then hold a public hearing where the Commission and public can ask the candidate questions. This must happen prior to a vote before the Police & Fire Committee.
Will the Commission share the names of all applicants?
The Commission does not release the names of applicants to protect their privacy, encourage a broad and diverse pool of candidates, and ensure a fair and unbiased search process. Public disclosure can discourage qualified individuals from applying, especially those who may be considering the role confidentially, and may expose applicants to unnecessary professional or personal risks.
Community Engagement
Is the Commission required to engage the community as part of the search process?
The Commission must conduct four listening sessions. At least one public hearing shall be held on the North Side of Chicago, the South Side of Chicago, and the West Side of Chicago.
Will the Commission conduct any additional Community outreach?
Yes. In 2023 the Commission engaged in a robust community engagement process beyond what was required by ordinance. This included additional listening sessions including one conducted in Spanish, targeted focus groups, meetings with law enforcement and meetings with subject matter experts. The Commission will engage in a similar process this time. You can read the process report from the 2023 search that list all or community engagement. 2023 Process Report
What groups is the Commission reaching out to for feedback?
The Commission plans to engage youth, business leaders, victims and survivors of crime, victim rights advocates, CVI and violence prevention organizations, police accountability organizations, immigration rights groups, justice impacted individuals and faith leaders.
How can the community provide feedback?
There are multiple ways that the community can provide feedback on the search. You can attend one of the upcoming listening sessions, you can attend a meeting of your local District Council or fill out the community feedback form. We have flyers with the QR code for that form, or you can visit the CCPSA website to access it.
How is input from the community utilized by the Commission during this process?
Superintendent search is a community-driven process. The feedback the Commission receives will be utilized in the following ways:
- Creation of the application materials
- Drafting of candidate interview questions
- Creation of scoring rubrics to evaluate candidate applications and interviews
- Inform final decision of the Commission on the three candidates to send to the Mayor for consideration
What happens after a Superintendent is confirmed by City Council?
After a Superintendent is confirmed, the Commission must hold four listening sessions with the new Superintendent. At least one public hearing shall be held on the North Side of Chicago, the South Side of Chicago, and the West Side of Chicago.