San Antonio Police Department plans to add 25 new officers and enhance public safety

San Antonio is ramping up its commitment to public safety with the addition of 25 new police officers this year, part of a broader strategy to enhance community policing. The city aims to increase its police force by 360 officers over the next three to five years, with a goal of allowing patrol officers to spend 60% of their time on proactive policing—up from just 41% in 2023.

Key developments include the construction of the South Flores Police Station, funded through the 2022 bond program at $21.6 million. This facility, strategically located to address growth in the area, is set for council approval in October 2025, with groundbreaking planned for 2026 and an anticipated opening in 2027. It will create 28 sworn supervisory positions and 7 civilian roles, reinforcing the city’s commitment to safer neighborhoods and stronger community-police partnerships.

In a significant move to enhance public safety, the city will also absorb park and airport police into the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) as vacancies arise, transitioning 65 positions to broaden service coverage. This integration aims to strengthen public safety across parks and the airport.

The city is also exploring revenue enhancements, proposing updates to alarm permit fees and increasing the off-duty officer surcharge, which could generate over $210,000 in additional revenue. These adjustments are designed to align with state law and avoid new taxes.

To improve efficiency, SAPD is realigning shift hours to eliminate gaps in coverage and reduce overtime costs. The department is also implementing technology upgrades, including advanced camera monitoring and automated report writing tools, to allow officers to focus more on community protection.

As San Antonio prepares for future public safety needs, these initiatives reflect a proactive approach to policing, ensuring that the city remains equipped to handle its growing demands.