The City of San Antonio Has Launched a Public Survey to Guide Its Police Chief Selection Process
The City of San Antonio has launched its search for a new Chief of Police, and this time, leaders are turning directly to residents to help shape the decision.
City officials announced April 29 that community members are encouraged to share their input through a short public survey, which will help define what qualities and priorities the next police chief should bring to the role.
Survey Available in English and Spanish
Residents can participate using the links below:
City leaders say the feedback will play a key role in developing an executive profile used to evaluate candidates.
National Firm Assisting With Search
To guide the process, the City has partnered with the Police Executive Research Forum (PERF), a national group with more than three decades of experience helping cities recruit and assess top law enforcement leadership.
Leadership and Community Trust at the Center
City Manager Erik Walsh emphasized the importance of community involvement in the selection process, noting that the role extends beyond operations and into public trust.
“The Chief of Police plays a critical role for our organization and the community by leading our public safety efforts and building and maintaining our community trust in one of our core missions,” Walsh said. “I’d like to encourage residents to share their thoughts to help us identify a leader who reflects the values and priorities of San Antonio.”
Input Will Shape Final Candidate Profile
According to the City, responses gathered from the survey will be used to create a detailed leadership profile that will guide recruitment and candidate evaluation.
Officials are urging residents across San Antonio to take part, framing the process as a rare opportunity for the public to directly influence the future of policing in the city.
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