Testimonials

Helicopter Pilot

The SAPD is a team, and we have a common goal — to catch the bad guy. As a helicopter pilot, I get a unique angle (literally) to make that happen. It is a completely different world when you are flying. We’re there to assist the police officer on the ground and be an added pair of eyes. We help with patrol, traffic investigations and chases, making each day unique and a new challenge.

And that’s what I like. I like the thrill and variety every day. That has grown even more recently with our partnership with the San Antonio Fire Department. We no longer just do police work. We help with search and rescue, lowering firemen down to pick up a survivor whether it is in water, on land or off the side of a cliff.

North SAFFE, Former Crime Scene Unit

Looking back to high school, I remember reading the results of my career aptitude test. The printout showed compatible choices being nurse, teacher and police officer. I remember thinking, “Oh yeah, I’ll be a cop! Right.” I didn’t realize it at the time, but those careers all had something in common—they were all in the business of helping others.

Fast forward a few years and I found myself in my fifth year teaching middle school science. I was looking for a change and found it during career day. The SAPD Crime Scene Investigators came to the school to promote careers in forensics and I knew this was for me! After applying for the position and completing the training, I became a civilian CSI. I worked alongside officers and observed them making a difference in people’s lives on a daily basis. This resonated with me and I thought, “I want to do that too.”

During the Police Academy, I was really challenged and learned so much about myself mentally and physically. Turning 32 years old in the academy, I found the training very intense, but it really prepared me for what I was to encounter on the streets. In addition to the many skills learned during the academy, I realized that I wasn’t out there alone—I was part of team with a common mission to protect and help others in their time of need.

Since graduating from the academy in 2003, I have had so many amazing experiences as an officer on patrol, as a detective, in CSI and now as a sergeant at North SAFFE. Some moments have been difficult, scary, and sad while others have been joyful, rewarding, and humorous; but all have been meaningful. These moments have all added up to a dynamic and satisfying career.

With so many different units, ranks, and training opportunities, the sky is the limit! Come find out what’s in YOUR future with the SAPD!

K9 Unit

Before joining the SAPD, I was a jailer at a local county jail. While I am grateful for the experience I gained at that position there was little room for advancement, and I could not provide for my family the way I wanted to.

I knew several people who served with the SAPD for many years and had made a very good life for themselves and their families. I heard of the many opportunities for advancement and the limitless chances to make a substantial difference in people’s lives. I decided to make a change.

The top three things about working for the SAPD are:

• The feeling you have when you make a difference in someone’s life.
• The total compensation package, including the benefits.
• The opportunity for advancement.

The opportunity for advancement was big for me. It was the last piece in the pie that made the SAPD the perfect fit. I grew up raising hunting dogs and owning a Bullmastiff and German Shepherd so finding an opportunity to bring my love of animals to work is great (I currently have five pets at home).

I receive incentive pay for taking care of Zarro and the city provides a take-home vehicle so I can bring him to work safely everyday. Working in K-9 is just one of the avenues an officer can take if he or she wishes. The opportunities are there. You just have to put forth the effort to decide what path you want to take and then move along it.

Patrol

Choosing to join the San Antonio Police Department was a long time life goal. Corporately I worked for a large insurance company and most recently my husband and I opened a Crossfit Gym. Becoming a San Antonio Police Officer is a 2nd career for me and my family and it has been challenging and very rewarding. The opportunity to serve our great city is a high priority and a responsibility I take very seriously. The personal and professional development I gleaned from mentors in my former careers allows me to effectively listen and communicate with our citizens.

When I began my journey as a Peace Officer it was full of experiences that the Academy Staff and Instructors ensured would be real-life and chalked full of scenarios that required a winning mindset. Graduating from the Police Academy was an achievement. I liken it to anything that would require sacrifice, time and an enormous amount of discipline; realizing that at the end, the product is a ready-to-serve Peace Officer. The San Antonio Police Academy experience delivered.

I have always been blessed to have the support of my family. I find balance in my work/family life. The officer’s I serve along side have families, some are single and some are toward the end of their policing careers, but our goal is always the same; serve our communities with integrity, compassion and have each others back…ALWAYS! I believe my decision to join the department “later in life” may not be for some, but for those looking for a purpose-driven, opportunity to advance, give back to our communities career then becoming a San Antonio Police Officer is for you.

I love the physical demands and problem solving opportunities policing offers. I am passionate about health and fitness and find that policing marries my passion well. I have had the opportunity volunteering to read to elementary aged children and share my passion for family, policing and staying safe in their communities. Now that I am on best police department in the state, I have long-term goals to promote. I will continue to be teachable and seek out training opportunities to ensure I am always in the “know.” The leadership from my supervisors inspires me to be my best and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the San Antonio Police Department.

Patrol

As a patrolman, I get the opportunity to help people that are experiencing likely the worst day of their life every day that I go to work. It’s in these moments that police officers come into contact with someone who is going through a traumatic moment that could be very impactful to them. On the ground level, you meet people in all walks of life. From victims of domestic violence to that one person whose car just got broken into and never thought that it would be them, I am able to bring a sense of calmness and rationality in a situation that may not appear that way. Through providing people with resources or just having a one-on-one conversation to someone that needs it, I’m truly able to impact the community in a “grass roots” style.