SAPD

A new San Antonio Police Department text alert system has been applauded by some criminal justice and criminology experts for bringing increased transparency and communication between police and the public, but there were also concerns about its potential to circumvent the media.

A police statement on Saturday identified the officer as T. Sauvage, a five year veteran of the force.

A modest reform item "backpedals," according to activists.

HB 88, or the “George Floyd Act,” doesn’t just tackle first aid. The proposed law would also require police to intervene when they see another officer engage in abusive behavior.

A recent New York Times piece focused on police bargaining tactics and the so-called “playbook” police unions have used to win power nationwide, spotlighting San Antonio's history and influence in bargaining tactics now used by unions across the country.

Five months after Darrell Zemault Sr. was killed by San Antonio police officers, SAPD has allowed his family to view some of the body cam footage. But the family members say they have been left with “more questions than answers” after viewing the footage.

If successful the measure will repeal Chapter 174, which was originally passed in 1974 by San Antonio voters. It allows police employees to collectively bargain their contracts over healthcare, salaries, disciplinary procedures and more.

Marquise Jones was killed by an off-duty SAPD officer in 2014. After the death of George Floyd, another Black man killed by a police officer, demands to reopen Jones' case became louder. But the Bexar County District Attorney announced he would not bring the case before a second grand jury.

Police Chief William McManus joined the San Antonio Police Officers Association for a press conference at the city’s Public Safety Headquarters Monday as the union denounced two petitions that could amend protections and collective bargaining rights for police officers in San Antonio.

A new policy detailed would require the San Antonio Police Department to release body cam footage in 60 days or provide a statement if the chief decides not to release the footage.