Johnson’s Pick for Top Cop Served as Go-To Expert Witness in Police M…

Chicago police Sgt. Larry Snelling testified during the trial of three Chicago police officers accused of trying to cover up the killing of Laquan McDonald on Wednesday, Nov. 28, 2018. (Zbigniew Bzdak / Chicago Tribune / Pool)

For a decade, Chicago Police brass relied on Chief Larry Snelling to explain to judges and juries when — and how — Chicago Police officers were permitted to use force against Chicagoans during high-profile trials that accused officers of misconduct.

Now, Mayor Brandon Johnson is banking on Snelling’s comfort in the hot seat to help him succeed where his predecessors as Chicago’s top cop have failed and fully implement the court order, known as the consent decree, that requires the Chicago Police Department to change the way it trains, supervises and disciplines officers.

Snelling, tapped by Johnson on Sunday to lead the Chicago Police Department, served as an expert witness in more than two dozen civil and criminal cases involving police officers,…