City Announces Final Year of Service for Police Department Chief
Published on January 16, 2026
City of San Antonio Announces Final Year of Service for San Antonio Police Department Chief William McManus
SAN ANTONIO (January 16, 2026) — The City announced today that San Antonio Police Chief William McManus plans to retire from the City of San Antonio by September 2026. Chief McManus will retire after almost 20 years of service and as the longest-serving Chief of Police for the City.
Chief McManus became the Chief of Police of the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) on April 17, 2006. Prior to joining SAPD, he served as Chief of Police of the Minneapolis Police Department (February 2004 – April 2006), and Chief of Police of the Dayton, Ohio, Police Department (November 2001 – February 2004).
He has led SAPD for the past two decades through periods of significant growth and change, earning the respect of officers and the trust of the San Antonio community while overseeing a drop in crime. His leadership has emphasized collaboration, professionalism, and a unified approach to public safety across SAPD, including Parks and Airport Police.
“Serving the City of San Antonio has been one of the greatest honors of my career,” said Chief McManus. “I am proud of the men and women protecting our community. Together, we have strengthened trust and advanced public safety. I remain fully committed to this work through my final year and to supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition.”
City Manager Erik Walsh praised Chief McManus’s leadership and impact.
“Chief McManus is an exceptional leader whose incredible experience and steady leadership have strengthened public safety across San Antonio and set an example for other cities nationwide,” said Walsh. “He has built strong relationships with our community and with police officers. His dedication to service and collaboration has positioned the Department well for the future, and we are grateful for his continued leadership through September 2026.”
Chief McManus will continue to serve as Chief of Police through September 2026, ensuring stability and continuity for SAPD. Additional information regarding future transition planning will be shared at an appropriate time.
Background
McManus started his law enforcement career in 1975, when he joined the Washington D.C. Metropolitan Police Department. He served in a variety of street and investigative assignments, and rose through the ranks of Sergeant, Lieutenant, and Captain. In 1998, McManus was promoted to Commander of the First District, which includes Capitol Hill and areas west of the White House. Later that year, he was promoted to the position of Assistant Chief of the Metropolitan Police Department and held that position until 2001.
Chief McManus graduated from the FBI National Executive Institute and National Academy, and the Senior Management Institute for Police at Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government. He holds a Bachelor's Degree from Villanova University in Pennsylvania and a Master's Degree in Management from Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, MD.