Chicago Police Launch Roll Call, A Podcast Featuring Top Cop, Other Law Enforcement

The Chicago Police Department launched the “Roll Call” podcast on August 27 to enhance community engagement through dialogues with law enforcement. Hosted by Mariam Sobh and Cmdr. Joshua Wallace, the first episode features Superintendent Larry Snelling, who shares insights from his 33-year career with the department. Snelling highlighted the role of community officers in fostering trust and contributing to a decline in crime rates, stating that engagement has led to increased cooperation from residents. While the podcast aims to promote transparency, some listeners criticized it for omitting discussions about recent federal immigration raids in Chicago.

The episode also reviewed the police's performance during the 2024 Democratic National Convention, where 74 arrests were made amidst mostly peaceful protests. Snelling expressed pride in the department's response, which was deemed successful by Mayor Brandon Johnson. The podcast seeks to build connections and inform the community about the department's efforts during turbulent times. The lack of coverage on immigration issues raises questions about the podcast's commitment to addressing all community concerns.