Bexar County DA, SAPD Chief discuss crime issues with District 7 community members
SAN ANTONIO – Much calmer tempers prevailed during the crime safety town hall meeting hosted by District 7 Thursday night at the Doris Griffin Senior One Stop Center.
A big focus for some in the community was getting mental health help for those in the criminal justice system before their crimes escalate.
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus celebrated that the city council approved hiring more than 100 officers for the upcoming year. He says many of those will be used to grow the mental health unit.
Bexar County District Attorney Joe Gonzales took the time to explain how the bail system works. He also encouraged the community to be good witnesses and encouraged those asked to testify in criminal cases to show up for court so that criminals don’t walk.
Maria Fernandez attended the meeting because she wanted to hear the answers from Gonzales.
“A lot of the answers from the DA were very informational, but I do feel like there’s something that is missing, so I’m going to continue to attend these meetings,” she said.
WATCH: District 7 hosts public safety town hall
Thousands of cases remain unindicted by Bexar County District Attorney’s Office
Copyright 2023 by KSAT - All rights reserved.
About the Authors Patty Santos headshot
Patty Santos joined the KSAT 12 News team in July 2017.
She has a proven track record of reporting on hard-hitting news that affects the community.
Matthew Craig headshot
Plane reportedly carrying aid to Jamaica crashes in neighborhood pond ▶ 0:27
Plane reportedly carrying aid to Jamaica crashes in neighborhood pond
State trooper injured, multiple detained after stolen vehicle chase from McMullen to Bexar County ▶ 0:59
State trooper injured, multiple detained after stolen vehicle chase from McMullen to Bexar County
Here's the moment all 3 ex-SAPD officers charged in Melissa Perez’s killing were found not guilty ▶ 1:45
Here's the moment all 3 ex-SAPD officers charged in Melissa Perez’s killing were found not guilty
San Antonio Pets Alive! warns of unauthorized GoFundMe page ▶ 1:23
San Antonio Pets Alive! warns of unauthorized GoFundMe page
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim ▶ 1:29
David Elder tries entrees, drinks and desserts at Salsita at the Rim
Group of Democrats strikes deal with GOP to end shutdown ▶ 1:17
Group of Democrats strikes deal with GOP to end shutdown
Family says recovery process has been 'overwhelming' after fire engulfed apartment ▶ 1:44
Family says recovery process has been 'overwhelming' after fire engulfed apartment
Do you know how to do CPR? Here’s a simple lesson ▶ 1:36
Do you know how to do CPR? Here’s a simple lesson
Southwest pilot tells passengers: 'You should really call your senator' ▶ 0:30
Southwest pilot tells passengers: 'You should really call your senator'
1 treated for smoke inhalation after fire destroys NW Side apartment building ▶ 0:53
1 treated for smoke inhalation after fire destroys NW Side apartment building
Mayor Jones won’t say if she still wants second Spurs arena election for San Antonio voters ▶ 1:07
Mayor Jones won’t say if she still wants second Spurs arena election for San Antonio voters
Texas Game Wardens to adapt K-9 training after Hill Country floods ▶ 1:41
Texas Game Wardens to adapt K-9 training after Hill Country floods
Some SA flights canceled this weekend as FAA flight restrictions affect nation ▶ 0:46
Some SA flights canceled this weekend as FAA flight restrictions affect nation
Leaks found under Memorial High School cause smelly hallways, student complaints ▶ 1:17
Leaks found under Memorial High School cause smelly hallways, student complaints
What is vibe coding? ▶ 0:36
What is vibe coding?
‘It feels like I’m failing’: Mom on SNAP benefits struggles to feed kids ▶ 1:43
‘It feels like I’m failing’: Mom on SNAP benefits struggles to feed kids
Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt answers questions about a timeline for the new Spurs arena ▶ 0:50
Spurs Managing Partner Peter J. Holt answers questions about a timeline for the new Spurs arena
WATCH-Myrta Romanos leaves Bexar County Jail after charges connected to 2023 killings were dismissed ▶ 0:27
WATCH-Myrta Romanos leaves Bexar County Jail after charges connected to 2023 killings were dismissed
Fall temperature roller coaster hits the Alamo City starting this weekend ▶ 0:32
Fall temperature roller coaster hits the Alamo City starting this weekend
Federal worker volunteers at food bank amid government shut down ▶ 0:48
Federal worker volunteers at food bank amid government shut down
Bystanders capture UPS plane crash and explosion at Kentucky airport ▶ 1:08
Bystanders capture UPS plane crash and explosion at Kentucky airport
Christopher Preciado’s mother accused in couple’s shooting deaths has charges dismissed ▶ 0:53
Christopher Preciado’s mother accused in couple’s shooting deaths has charges dismissed
Investigators find multiple violations at SA mental health treatment center ▶ 0:46
Investigators find multiple violations at SA mental health treatment center
Car crashes into home on North Side ▶ 0:36
Car crashes into home on North Side
Third Trader Joe’s grocery store in SA opens on the Northwest Side ▶ 0:55
Third Trader Joe’s grocery store in SA opens on the Northwest Side
Previous photo Next photo 