San Antonio Shootings: Four people were shot in San Antonio on Saturday night. Handled by San Antonio police.
Police Chief William McManus was involved in a recent incident on the South Side where a man with a knife was fatally shot by police. The story was by McManus.
Five SAPD officers were shot and killed in 2 weeks. These events happened in a troubled month. The City Council approved a $3.7 billion budget for FY 2024. More will join SAPD.
The budget allows for hiring 100 additional police officers. This is the most significant rise in police officers in 20 years. But the fund isn’t just for increasing SAPD personnel.
During budget talks, council members urged increased support for mental health. More funds will be allocated for 24/7 mental health crisis support in the upcoming year.
Karen Falks, SAPD’s Assistant Chief of Police, stressed the need for more officers to tackle mental health concerns citywide.
The funds go to SA CORE, providing 24/7 services. A cop, medic, and therapist make up this team. They tackle mental health issues as a team.
SA CORE operates two shifts daily, from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., during crucial hours. Falks stressed accessible mental health support in cities like San Antonio.
Falks mentioned SAPD’s plan to grow the Mental Health Unit, but for now, officers are being trained to help those with mental health issues. The project will last 3 years. By then, the city will have a better mental health team.
Falks wants to boost the Mental Health Unit’s capacity to aid San Antonio residents with mental health issues.
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