City Council Discusses Proactive Policing and Mayfield Substation Upgrade Plans

During the San Antonio City Council Special Session on August 19, 2025, a significant focus was placed on the proactive policing efforts of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD). Council members engaged in a detailed discussion about the effectiveness of the department's strategies, particularly in addressing chronic neighborhood issues.

One key point raised was the SAPD's ability to differentiate between calls generated from community complaints and proactive measures taken by officers. The department reported that out of approximately 1.8 million calls for service, only about 10% stemmed from proactive policing efforts. This statistic highlights the importance of community engagement in shaping police activities.

Council members expressed interest in understanding how the department documents its proactive work, including the number of calls, tickets issued, and arrests made during these initiatives. The SAPD confirmed that they maintain records of this data and are prepared to provide a follow-up memo detailing their proactive policing outcomes.

Additionally, the conversation touched on specific high-call-volume areas, such as certain apartment complexes, which are prioritized for problem-oriented policing due to their frequent service requests. This approach underscores the department's commitment to addressing the unique needs of different neighborhoods based on actual data.

While discussing facilities, a council member inquired about potential upgrades to the Mayfield Substation. The response indicated that there are currently no plans for improvements, with the substation described as feeling outdated. This comment reflects ongoing concerns about the adequacy of police facilities in serving the community effectively.

Overall, the session highlighted the SAPD's focus on proactive measures and community engagement, aiming to enhance public safety and address local concerns more effectively. The council's commitment to follow up on these discussions suggests a continued emphasis on accountability and transparency in policing efforts.