San Antonio Police Department outlines budget priorities for community safety and staffing

The San Antonio City Council held a special session on August 19, 2025, focusing primarily on the proposed budget for the upcoming fiscal year. The meeting began with an overview of the budget's objectives, emphasizing the importance of adequately staffing and equipping city departments to effectively serve the community.

Chief McManus presented key points regarding the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) budget, highlighting metrics related to service delivery and the department's violent crime reduction strategy. He outlined the proposed budget, detailing major investments in personnel and technology aimed at enhancing public safety in line with the city's growth.

The Chief emphasized the critical role of both sworn officers and civilian staff in maintaining safety and efficiency within the department. He noted that the SAPD includes 44 aviation police officers, 992 civilian staff members, and 262 school crossing guards, all contributing to the overall safety of San Antonio. The staffing model is designed to balance frontline policing with essential support roles, ensuring that officers can focus on their primary duties.

The department is structured into three main bureaus: Operations Bureau, Operations Support Bureau, and Administrative Services Bureau, each led by an assistant chief responsible for specific areas of public safety and crime prevention. The Operations Bureau focuses on patrol and community engagement, while the Operations Support Bureau handles specialized investigations. The Administrative Services Bureau oversees the department's administrative functions.

In conclusion, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to public safety through strategic budget allocations and staffing, aiming to meet the needs and expectations of the San Antonio community. Further discussions and decisions regarding the budget are anticipated in upcoming sessions.