San Angelo Police Chief shares crime statistics and department challenges at city council meeting

The City Council of San Angelo, Texas, convened on June 25, 2025, for a strategic planning workshop focused on public safety and community engagement. The meeting highlighted the collaborative efforts between various city departments, particularly the San Angelo Police Department (SAPD) and the Fire Department, to address crime rates and enhance community safety.

The Police Chief emphasized the importance of a community approach to policing, noting that recent accomplishments stem from teamwork across city departments, including water and animal control services. He acknowledged the challenges faced by the SAPD, including stretched resources and the need for increased funding to maintain momentum in crime reduction efforts. Over the past five years, the department has conducted 122,000 traffic stops and handled nearly 5,000 Freedom of Information requests in 2024 alone.

Crime statistics presented during the meeting revealed that San Angelo's total crime rate stands at 29.09 per 1,000 residents, with a violent crime rate of 2.83. These figures place San Angelo higher than 91% of Texas cities. The Chief noted that while overall crime rates in Texas are decreasing, San Angelo's property crime rates remain a concern, particularly with a property crime rate of 2,622 per 100,000 residents.

The Chief also discussed the department's efforts to combat narcotics-related crime, which he indicated is linked to a significant portion of local criminal activity. He highlighted the need for more officers on the streets to engage in proactive policing, as current staffing levels limit the department's ability to respond effectively to calls for service.

In response to staffing challenges, the department has successfully recruited new cadets and lateral hires, with a focus on retaining experienced officers. The Chief expressed gratitude for city staff support in providing incentives for recruitment and retention.

The Fire Chief reported on the department's increased call volume, particularly in emergency medical services, which now constitutes 75% of their operations. He outlined various community education initiatives, including training citizens in CPR and first aid, aimed at enhancing community resilience.

The meeting concluded with discussions on future funding needs, including grant applications for additional personnel and equipment. The Chiefs emphasized the importance of continued collaboration between departments and the community to address public safety challenges effectively. The City Council plans to review these initiatives and funding requests in upcoming sessions to ensure the safety and well-being of San Angelo residents.