crime

A New Era in Crime Prevention

As the Mayor of San Antonio, it would be my responsibility to ensure that the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and aligned with the values of our vibrant community. My key priorities and expectations for policing in San Antonio is to aim to foster a safer and just city for all residents.

Vision for Policing

The vision for policing in San Antonio is to create a community where safety, justice, and respect are the cornerstones of law enforcement. My goal is to ensure that SAPD operates with integrity, builds trust with residents, and effectively addresses crime while upholding the highest standards of ethical conduct. The following are steps that I will take if elected Mayor of San Antonio:

1. Commitment to Community Policing

  • Community Engagement: Ensure that officers will continue to engage proactively with residents to build strong relationships and partnerships. Ensure that regular community meetings and outreach programs are established or continuing to address local concerns and gather input.
  • Neighborhood Involvement: Promote and continue community policing strategies to address specific neighborhood issues, leveraging local knowledge and resources to enhance public safety.

2. Emphasis on Transparency and Accountability

  • Body Cameras: Reinforce that the use of body cameras by all officers is mandated to ensure transparency in interactions with the public according to current SAPD policy. Ensure that footage is reviewed regularly and accessible for oversight.
  • Public Reporting: Ensure that SAPD continues to provide regular reports on policing activities, including use of force incidents, traffic stops, and complaints, available to the public to maintain transparency.
  • Complaint Process: Ensure that the current process for filing complaints against officers is streamlined and accessible. Make sure that complaints are being reviewed and addressed promptly to maintain accountability.

3. Focus on Fairness and Equality

  • Bias Training: Ensure officers ongoing training on implicit bias and cultural competence is not just (DEI) Diversity Equity and Inclusion propaganda to ensure that policing practices are fair and respectful of all community members.
  • Equality Policing: Efforts will be made to uphold equality not equity in policing practices. Data on stops, searches, and arrests will be monitored to identify and address any disparities.

4. Commitment to De-Escalation and Use of Force

  • De-Escalation Training: Ensure that officers continued to be trained in de-escalation techniques to manage potentially volatile situations without resorting to force. The goal is to resolve conflicts peacefully whenever possible.
  • Use of Force Policies: Ensure use of force is being governed by strict guidelines, and that officers are expected to use force only when absolutely necessary and proportional to the threat without being afraid to defend themselves or others.

5. Investment in Officer Training and Development

  • Ongoing Education: Ensure that regular training on best practices, emerging issues, and new technologies is being implemented to ensure that officers remain effective and up-to-date with current policing standards.
  • Leadership Development: Evaluate the leadership training being provided to ensure that a culture of professionalism and ethical behavior within the department is being fostered.

6. Enhancing Crisis Response

  • Crisis Intervention Teams: Ensure that specialized units are equipped and trained to handle incidents involving mental health crises. Collaboration with mental health professionals will be prioritized to provide appropriate support.
  • Community Partnerships: Evaluate how the SAPD is working with community organizations and service providers to ensure comprehensive support for individuals in crisis.

7. Promoting Safety and Well-Being

  • Traffic Enforcement: Ensure that traffic enforcement is focusing on safety rather than revenue generation. Reinforce that efforts are be made to ensure that traffic stops are conducted fairly and respectfully.
  • Crime Prevention: Evaluate current strategies developed to proactively address crime through community engagement, crime analysis, and collaboration with other agencies. Make changes as needed.

8. Supporting Equality

  • Diverse Workforce: Ensure recruitment efforts are focusing on building a police force that consists of the most qualified personnel. The best quality personnel will enhance community relations and policing effectiveness.
  • Support Systems: Evaluate currant programs are being implemented to support officers addressing any concerns related to discrimination or harassment.

9. Ensuring Responsible Use of Technology

  • Technology Standards: Ensure that the use of surveillance and other technology are being governed by strict policies to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
  • Innovation: Ensure the department will continue to explore and adopt innovative technologies that enhance public safety while ensuring that their use aligns with ethical standards and community values.

If elected to the position of Mayor, I am committed to ensuring that the San Antonio Police Department operates in a manner that is transparent, accountable, and focused on building trust within our community. This policy directive serves as a framework for achieving these goals and reflects our collective commitment to creating a safe, just, and welcoming San Antonio.