Chief McManus: San Antonio Police Department Prepared for Mass Shooting Response
In the wake of the approaching second anniversary of the tragic Uvalde school shooting, San Antonio Police Department Chief, William McManus, emphasizes the department’s readiness and personnel strength in tackling mass shootings. The Police Chief discussed the issue before the San Antonio City Council committee and during an hour-long conversation that examined the city’s existing efforts to prevent mass shootings.
Improving Security at Schools
The discussion yielded various ideas on enhancing school security, but the committee couldn’t agree on a definite course of action or funding beyond the city’s conventional practices. McManus assured the committee members of the department’s capability to respond effectively to mass shooting incidents and establish command at such scenes. Nonetheless, he pointed out that the onus largely goes beyond the department’s jurisdiction when it comes to prevention and security implementation at schools.
Collaboration Between SAPD and Area Schools
The Chief commented on the increased synergy between the San Antonio Police Department and nearby school districts following the 2022 mass shooting at Robb Elementary in Uvalde. The tragic event claimed the lives of 21 individuals, including 19 children. The department currently liaises with nearly 45 school districts, charter schools, and universities, using over 90 officers for this purpose. Through such collaboration, over 70 institutions in Bexar County have implemented LifeSpot, an emergency communication application that provides a faster alternative to calling 911
Addressing the Root Causes of Violence
Part of the strategy to avert mass shootings in schools involves violence prevention measures already contained in the city’s Violence Prevention Plan. Erica Haller-Stevenson, a public health administrator, maintained that dealing with the root causes of violence related to social, economic, and health inequities is integral to these preventive efforts, an approach often referred to as “upstream” prevention. The success of this strategy, however, hinges on the establishment of partnerships with school districts, local enforcement, Bexar County, other agencies and nonprofits.
Investment in Youth Mental Health Programs
For the fiscal years 2023-2024, the city will invest almost $14 million in youth mental health programs from coronavirus recovery funds, plus an additional $1 million from the city’s general fund budget. Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda expressed further ambitions to discuss how the city’s legislative arm could allocate more funds for school security. Nonetheless, she acknowledged that the $1 million slated from the general fund is but a small fraction to address what seems a looming concern.
Looking Ahead
With differing views echoing from within the committee, there were no formal recommendations from city staff. One certainty, however, is that the topic of school safety will return to the committee’s future agenda. Councilwoman Cabello Havrda expressed an openness to new ideas for cooperation with schools, demonstrating the city’s continuing commitment to this fraught issue in the community.
