SAN ANTONIO — City budgets are always a contentious debate, especially when it comes to funding police departments. Tonight’s Verify relates to the budget for the San Antonio Police Department, which aims to put enough police on the street to keep residents of San Antonio safe.
THE QUESTION
Is it true that the San Antonio Police Chief can’t hire enough new patrol officers because all of the police fund for new hires is going to pay for overtime?
THE SOURCES
- The San Antonio Police Department
- Congressman Tony Gonzales representing the 23rd District of Texas
THE ANSWER
FALSE
WHAT WE FOUND
We reached out to the department about this claim. They told us the information is not correct, and that SAPD currently has three cadet classes going through the Training Academy.
In addition, Lt. Michelle Ramos told us, “Additionally, cadet class 2023 E is set to begin on Dec 4, 2023 in which 49 cadets are scheduled for that class. This is the most cadet classes we have had in a calendar year. We also plan to have an additional 5 cadet classes in 2024.”
Congressman Gonzales confirmed the additional officers in a press conference on November 6th. “The President of the San Antonio Police Officers Association has been very critical in making sure that police officers have their voice heard. So adding these 50 police officers to the equation is a game changer,” he said.
So no, it is false. The San Antonio Police Chief can and will hire enough new patrolmen because not all of the police fund for new hires is going to pay for overtime.
Ramos also told us they encourage people interested in joining the San Antonio Police Department, and to visit SAPDCareers.com for recruiting information.
