The San Antonio City Council held a budget work session on September 16, 2025, focusing on public safety and police staffing challenges. Council members discussed the recent decline in violent crime rates in the city, emphasizing the need to maintain safety as the population continues to grow.

One key point raised was the necessity of hiring additional police officers to ensure community safety. Council members expressed concern over the current vacancies within the police department, which reportedly stands at 696 positions. The discussion highlighted the importance of having more officers on the streets to deter crime effectively.

Councilman Munguía stressed the significance of relying on the expertise of law enforcement professionals who are actively engaged in community safety. He argued against substituting their on-the-ground knowledge with theoretical approaches from legislators. The council acknowledged the need for a strategic plan to address recruitment and retention issues within the police force, particularly as many officers are nearing retirement.

Additionally, the council discussed the potential opening of a new police substation and the staffing requirements that would accompany it. Members recognized the urgency of finding creative solutions to attract experienced officers from other cities to fill the gaps in the department.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to enhancing public safety through adequate police staffing, as officials continue to navigate the challenges posed by a growing population and the need for effective law enforcement. The council plans to explore further strategies to address these staffing issues in upcoming budget discussions.