The San Antonio Public Safety Committee convened on September 16, 2025, to outline its objectives and discuss the formation of two critical subcommittees aimed at addressing pressing community safety issues. The meeting, led by Chair Core, began with the approval of previous minutes and quickly transitioned into a review of the committee's responsibilities as outlined by the mayor.

The committee is tasked with overseeing various public safety matters, including fire protection, emergency medical services, police and law enforcement, and animal care services. A significant focus will be placed on creating an interpersonal violence subcommittee to tackle the high rates of violence in the community. Additionally, an elder abuse subcommittee will be established to address safety concerns affecting seniors, such as financial fraud and physical abuse.

Council members expressed their commitment to these initiatives, with specific assignments to the subcommittees already made. Council members Castillo and Anguiano will serve on the interpersonal violence subcommittee, while Castillo, Anguiano, and Council members Mickey Rodriguez and Spears will focus on elder abuse.

The committee emphasized the importance of understanding community safety holistically, discussing the need for better data analysis to identify trends and underlying issues. Chair Core highlighted the potential for improvements in street lighting as a key area for the upcoming budget cycle, indicating a proactive approach to enhancing community safety.

Members also raised additional topics for future meetings, including the need for more police officers and the ongoing assessment of mental health resources for first responders. The committee plans to reconvene in November to further discuss these initiatives and gather community input on public safety priorities.

This meeting marks a pivotal step in San Antonio's efforts to enhance public safety through targeted initiatives and community engagement, reflecting a commitment to addressing both immediate concerns and long-term solutions.