San Antonio – The City Council officially installed Jesse Salame as the city’s new police chief on Thursday, following an unanimous 11‑0 vote that confirmed his appointment. The ceremony took place at City Hall, where Salame took the oath of office and outlined his vision for the San Antonio Police Department.
Council backs Salame’s leadership
Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones praised the council’s swift action, noting that the unanimous vote reflects broad confidence in Salame’s ability to lead the department. “We expect honest feedback from Chief Salame about what works and what needs to change, especially regarding officer workload,” the mayor said.
City Manager Erik Walsh had selected Salame just over a week earlier to replace retiring chief William McManus, who stepped down in July after nearly two decades of service. McManus now works in a security role for Pearl and serves as a consultant.
Salame’s priorities for the department
In his inaugural remarks, Chief Salame highlighted four core priorities:
- Public safety: Strengthening patrol presence and rapid response capabilities.
- Reducing violent crime: Implementing data‑driven strategies to target high‑risk areas.
- Officer wellness: Expanding mental‑health resources and support programs for sworn personnel.
- Community trust: Building transparent relationships with neighborhoods through regular town‑hall meetings and outreach initiatives.
Salame emphasized that these goals align with the city’s broader commitment to safe, family‑friendly neighborhoods and the constitutional right of citizens to live without fear of violence.
New contract with the Police Officers Association
Alongside the swearing‑in, the council approved a new collective bargaining agreement with the San Antonio Police Officers Association. The contract, which runs through September 30, 2029, includes provisions for salary adjustments, benefits enhancements, and continued training opportunities.
The agreement was described by council members as a “balanced” approach that rewards officers for their service while ensuring fiscal responsibility for taxpayers.
Looking ahead
Chief Salame’s appointment comes at a time when the city is seeking to curb a recent uptick in violent incidents. While the department has reported modest improvements in overall crime rates, community leaders continue to call for decisive action.
Mayor Ortiz Jones and Councilmember insert name if available expressed optimism that Salame’s experience and collaborative style will help bridge gaps between law‑enforcement and the neighborhoods they serve.
San Antonio residents can expect the chief to hold regular public briefings, offering transparency on department initiatives and inviting feedback from families, faith groups, and local businesses.
Original reporting: KTSA News/Talk (San Antonio) — read the source article.
