195. SAPD’s First New Chief in 20 Years: Jesse Salame on Falling Homicides, Officer Wellbeing, and Public Trust
This week on bigcitysmalltown, the conversation focused on leadership transition in San Antonio’s police department, a significant shift for the city after nearly two decades under chief McManus. As newly appointed Chief Jesse Salame Jr. takes the reins, the discussion explored his background growing up in San Antonio’s near Westside, his career path from patrolman to chief, and the internal promotion process that reflects the department’s evolution.
Key topics included:
• The current state of violent and property crime in San Antonio, including the sharp reduction in homicides and what’s driving these trends
• Ongoing strategies to maintain public safety, such as targeted deployments in high-crime areas and collaboration with researchers at UTSA
• The complexities around staffing, recruitment, and maintaining public trust amid budget constraints and San Antonio’s rapid growth
• The expanding role of police in responding to mental health crises and homelessness, and how the department approaches these challenges
• The department’s policies regarding immigration law, local collaboration with the sheriff’s office, and navigating support and accountability from city leadership
The episode offers a closer look at Chief Salame’s vision, the evolving demands on law enforcement, and the challenges and opportunities facing one of the fastest-growing cities in the country.
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