Police Chief Recruitment Update

Published on July 01, 2026

SAN ANTONIO (July 1, 2026) – The search for the permanent Police Chief is ongoing. We want to thank the community for the input provided to the City’s recruiter Police Executive Recruitment Forum (PERF).

The feedback the community provided as part of the focus groups coupled with community responses to the survey administered by PERF was used to develop the Executive Profile that is being advertised to fill the Police Chief position. The priorities and challenges identified through this process will be given to the new Police Chief to incorporate in their workplan to continue to advance our San Antonio Police Department.

Stakeholder Focus Groups 

Below is a summary of the feedback provided during the focus groups.

A total of 47 community members representing various neighborhood and community organizations, the business community, non-profits, governmental and educational institutions, participated in the focus groups. The desired characteristics they told us they want to see in the next chief are:

• Strong leadership capabilities
• High levels of integrity and honesty
• A good communicator
• Someone who will take accountability for actions

They also provided feedback about the challenges they believe the department is facing:

• Response times and crime prevention
• Accountability
• Staffing

Community Survey

PERF, the City’s recruiter, administered a community survey. Below is a summary of the community survey responses.

A total of 1,875 community survey responses were received. The desired characteristics the community wants to see in the next chief are:

• Transparency
• Accountability
• Strong leadership presence

The Community also provided feedback about the priorities they would like for the department to continue to focus on:

• Building community relationships
• Crime prevention and community-based solutions
• Strong enforcement

Next Steps in the Recruitment Process

In-person interviews for the new Police Chief will be conducted in August. The interview process will consist of several panels that represent our community. A selection is expected to be made in September.

Finally, Chief McManus has accelerated his retirement from the City of San Antonio from September 30 to July 10. He has accepted an employment opportunity in San Antonio. The City Manager will be appointing an acting Police Chief from members of the SAPD command staff before July 10.