SAN ANTONIO – The City of San Antonio has appointed Jesus “Jesse” Salame, a seasoned 26-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department, to succeed the former chief, William McManus. This decision marks a significant step in the city’s ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and community relations.
City Manager Erik Walsh formally announced Salame’s appointment on Wednesday, as reported by District 1 Councilwoman Sukh Kaur, who chairs the Public Safety Committee. This leadership change comes during a critical time for the department, as it seeks to address various challenges facing law enforcement agencies nationwide.
In an email to the Mayor and City Council, Walsh expressed his confidence in Salame’s capabilities, stating, “I have the utmost confidence in Chief Salame’s ability to lead the Police Department in its mission to improve quality of life by creating a safe environment in partnership with the people they serve.” This sentiment reflects a growing emphasis on community policing and collaboration between law enforcement and residents.
Councilwoman Kaur echoed Walsh’s optimism, emphasizing Salame’s commitment to strengthening the police force and enhancing community safety initiatives. “I think he’s really working hard to make sure that we have the strongest police force in the nation and I’m excited to continue working with him to better support our SAFFE officers, our bike patrol downtown and, most importantly, come up with solutions for holistic public safety,” Kaur remarked.
Walsh is scheduled to make the official announcement at a press conference today at 12:30 p.m. This event will provide further insights into Salame’s vision for the police department and his plans to address the pressing issues faced by the community.
As this story develops, residents and stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed and engaged in the ongoing conversation about public safety in San Antonio.

