San Antonio’s Public Safety Committee voted unanimously to move a six‑month diversion pilot to the full City Council. The program would allow police to offer treatment alternatives to individuals accused of non‑residential criminal trespassing or theft under $100, steering them away from the Bexar County Jail.
How the pilot would work
When an officer encounters an eligible offender, the officer can offer a voluntary diversion. If the person agrees, clinicians from the Center for Health Care Services (CHCS) would screen the individual for mental‑health or substance‑use needs. Those who meet the criteria would be taken to CHCS’s existing facility at 711 E. Josephine St. for up to 14 days of treatment, followed by up to 90 days of after‑care.
Participation is optional; anyone who declines or does not meet clinical standards would proceed through the normal criminal‑justice process.
Funding and logistics
The pilot is budgeted at about $1.9 million for six months. San Antonio, Bexar County and University Health would each contribute roughly $638,370. The city plans to use money from the Westside Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone to cover its share.
The program would initially operate in the Central and Downtown SAPD substation areas, where the targeted offenses are most common. Officials estimate an average of 140 trespassing arrests per month, with 56 % involving a mental‑health or substance‑use need.
Council oversight and next steps
City Council will consider the funding request on Sept. 10 after a briefing on Sept. 8. Councilman Jalen McKee‑Rodriguez asked whether the pilot could be expanded to nearby neighborhoods such as Government Hill, noting the limited number of 15 beds.
Officials also said they will monitor repeat offenses and refine the program as data become available. The pilot runs alongside a broader feasibility study that will recommend a permanent diversion center, with findings expected in early 2027.
Original reporting: San Antonio Report — read the source article.
