San Antonio Police Department outlines 2026 budget and crime trends in annual report

The San Antonio City Council held a special session on August 19, 2025, focusing on public safety and the budget for the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). The meeting highlighted key operational statistics, budgetary allocations, and crime trends within the city.

The session began with a presentation from Rick, a representative from the SAPD, who outlined the department's structure and the critical role of civilian staff in managing resources effectively. He emphasized the importance of various functions, including training, community engagement, and technology, which contribute to maintaining high standards and transparency within the department.

In 2024, SAPD received over 2 million calls, with approximately 1.8 million requiring dispatch. Projections for 2025 indicate a slight decrease in total calls but an increase in cases needing officer response. Rick noted that not every call necessitates an officer's presence, as many issues can be resolved over the phone.

The meeting also addressed crime statistics, revealing a significant decrease in total reported crimes from January to July 2025, down 151.1% compared to the same period in 2024. Violent crimes saw a decline of nearly 9%, while property crimes decreased by almost 20%. However, crimes against society, including drug and weapon offenses, rose by about 11.5%, attributed to increased arrests in these categories.

Arrest statistics over the past three years showed a steady increase, with nearly 47,000 arrests projected for 2024-2025. Emergency response times improved slightly, averaging just under six minutes, while non-emergency response times decreased to under 19 minutes, with expectations for further reductions.

The discussion then shifted to the SAPD budget, which has grown significantly since 2019. The proposed budget for 2026 totals approximately $707 million, reflecting a nearly 40% increase since 2019. This budget supports various initiatives, including the addition of police officers, technology improvements, and operational support.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to public safety through strategic investments in the police department and highlighted positive trends in crime reduction and response times. The council plans to continue monitoring these developments and adjust resources as necessary to ensure community safety.