SAN ANTONIO – Jesse Salame was officially sworn in as the next San Antonio police chief on Thursday.
In a San Antonio City Council meeting, council members unanimously approved Salame’s appointment to lead the department.
The 11-0 vote came just more than a week after City Manager Erik Walsh selected Salame to replace William McManus as chief.
Salame has said his priorities include public safety, targeting violent crime, officer wellness and building community trust.
“The first issue, first and foremost for me, is public safety, especially when it comes to violent crime and continuing to work on strategic initiatives, data-driven approaches and holistic approaches to keeping violent crime down and so our community can thrive,” Salame said.
Salame also stated that he is aware of the stakes that the police chief position holds, as council members took the time to support his appointment.
“Thank you for your comments, each of you,“ Salame said. ”I grew up in this community, and I grew up in this department. I know what’s at stake. So, it’s, you know, just thank you for the trust you placed in me. I’m ready to get to work. Let’s go."
During KSAT’s weekly Q&A with Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones on Tuesday, KSAT asked what she expects from the city’s next police chief. Jones said she wants honest feedback from police leadership about what is and is not working, especially when it comes to officer workload.
“Chief McManus was very clear in that, ‘Look, my ask to the budget during this time is based on workload,’” Jones said. “I always want frank feedback on what’s working, what’s not, what’s contributing to their workload, how can we reduce their workload, and really have a more holistic conversation about public safety.”
McManus retired from SAPD in July after nearly 20 years leading the department.
He left to lead security for Pearl, but within a week of starting there, he shifted into a “consulting role,” according to Silver Ventures and Pearl.
On Thursday, council members also approved a contract between the City of San Antonio and the San Antonio Police Officers Association that lasts from Oct. 1, 2026, through Sept. 30, 2029.
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