SAPD to double up officers as needed during threats

SAN ANTONIO – San Antonio police Chief William McManus addressed recent violence against police officers and what the San Antonio Police Department is doing to protect its force. 

During a panel discussion Sunday with other community leaders at the New Creation Christian Fellowship Church, McManus announced that shift directors and commanders will have the discretion to double up officers when they receive intelligence or have information on a potential safety concern specific to an area.

When asked what the most important thing was for the police to work with the community on, the chief said more community engagement is needed.

In recent weeks, police officers in Dallas and Baton Rouge have been ambushed by gunmen who killed eight and wounded several others. 

“It is unheard of,” McManus said. "It makes everyone more cautious and more on edge. It makes everyone rely on each other for cover more than ever before."

A spokesman for the department said there are no known threats to San Antonio police.