District 10 Calls for a Revision of the City’s SAPD Recruitment plan

Published on March 18, 2025

District 10 Calls for a Revision of the City’s SAPD Officer Recruitment Plan

SAN ANTONIO (March 18, 2025) – Following the March 17 Public Safety Committee presentation by UTSA's Dr. Michael Smith on the San Antonio Violent Crime Reduction Plan, District 10 announced a commitment to expanding the San Antonio Police Department's workforce.

“The data is clear that our investment in public safety is yielding positive results,” said District 10 Councilmember Marc Whyte. “Dr. Smith's comprehensive analysis shows that when additional police officers are placed on the streets in traditionally high crime areas, crime goes down.”

The UTSA study demonstrated notable success in areas with increased police visibility, showing up to a 22.4% reduction in violent crime in targeted hot spots. Based on these encouraging results, Councilmember Whyte will submit a memo to the City Manager requesting revising the current plan, which specifies hiring 200 additional police officers over three years, to hiring the same number of officers over two years. 

"Keeping our citizens safe remains City Council's top priority," Councilmember Whyte emphasized. "With clear evidence that our current strategies are working, we must stand firm on our commitment to public safety by ensuring SAPD has the personnel needed to expand these successful programs. The quicker we do it, the safer our citizens will be."