WATCH: ‘Broken Blue’ investigative special digs into police discipline at SAPD

SAPD officers were granted a reinstatement after they fired 67.5% of the time in the last decade

The Defenders’ one-hour investigative special dives into misconduct and disciplinary procedure at SAPD.

Data obtained by KSAT under public information law showed fired officers who later appealed were reinstated to their jobs 67.5% of the time from 2010-2019, either by a third-party arbitrator or after the chief reconsidered their termination.

Coverage in the “Broken Blue” series:

Officer Michael Garza: From rising star to SAPD castoff

Explained: How arbitration plays out for disciplined San Antonio police officers

A lying SAPD officer was reinstated after he cited his military record. That was a lie, too.

SAPD officer fired 6 times fighting for reinstatement — again

5 protections for police officers accused of misconduct in San Antonio

SAPD officer had an unusual offer: Beat him in a fight and you could go free

Debrief: KSAT Defenders break down ‘Broken Blue’ investigative series

San Antonio City Manager Erik Walsh issued a statement to KSAT in response to the “Broken Blue” investigative special:

“Clearly, the current collective bargaining agreement limits the Chief’s ability to appropriately discipline officers that deserve to be disciplined. We intend to bring those issues to the next contract negotiation with the police union. I am hoping the police union will agree that these cases tarnish and impact the community’s confidence in our police department.

The residents of San Antonio expect better behavior from police officers than what these individuals demonstrated, and frankly, so do I. Fortunately, the conduct of these few does not reflect of the high character of the more than 2,300 other officers on the streets protecting our community today.”

The San Antonio Police Officers Association (SAPOA) issued a press release that read in part:

“This series attacks SAPOA and our members by saying we’re too powerful and that we make it difficult to remove ‘problem’ officers,” said Michel Helle, President of the San Antonio Police Officers Association. “While I agree we’re a strong organization, when it comes to the discipline and appeals process, our role is simple and transparent: ensure that the rights of officers are observed and protected.”

Have a question about police misconduct and discipline? Send it in the prompt below.


About the Authors:

Emmy-award winning reporter Dillon Collier joined KSAT Investigates in September 2016. Dillon's investigative stories air weeknights on the Nightbeat and on the Six O'Clock News. Dillon is a two-time Houston Press Club Journalist of the Year and a Texas Associated Press Broadcasters Reporter of the Year.

Joshua Saunders is an Emmy award-winning photographer/editor who has worked in the San Antonio market for the past 20 years. Joshua works in the Defenders unit, covering crime and corruption throughout the city.