CRIME & SAFETY

Let’s Make San Antonio Safer—Together

Keeping our families and neighborhoods safe is one of the most important things we can do for our city. Lowering crime—especially violent crime—means more than just adding police. It takes a full community effort to tackle the real reasons crime happens and make sure everyone has a chance to live in a safe, stable environment.

Here’s a down-to-earth plan for building a safer San Antonio:

1. Bring Police and the Community Closer Together

More officers in neighborhoods: We need officers who know the people they’re protecting. That means putting the same officers in the same neighborhoods so they can build real relationships with the community.
Work together, not just respond to crime: Officers shouldn’t just show up after something happens. They should be working side by side with neighbors to stop problems before they start.
Build trust through transparency: Body cameras, public reports, and civilian review boards help keep everything out in the open and build trust between law enforcement and the people they serve.

2. Stop Crime Before It Starts—Invest in People

Support for young people: Give kids positive things to do—after-school programs, sports, mentors, job training—so they stay away from gangs and trouble.
Jobs, not jail: A lot of crime happens because people don’t have access to good jobs. Let’s invest in job training and employment programs, especially in high-crime areas.
Help folks get back on track: For people coming out of jail, we need programs that help them get back on their feet—like job training, education, and mental health services—so they don’t go back to crime.

3. Treat Mental Health and Addiction Seriously

Mental health help: Many crimes are linked to untreated mental health issues. We need more counselors, clinics, and crisis teams to help people before situations get out of control.
Get tough on addiction—but smart, too: Drugs are behind a lot of violent crime. Let’s crack down on drug dealers, but also give folks who are struggling access to real treatment and recovery options.

4. Lift Up Communities Through Education and Housing

Better schools mean safer communities: Investing in schools gives young people hope and opportunities—key tools to break the cycle of poverty and crime.
Affordable housing helps fight crime: When families are stable and have a safe place to live, they’re less likely to be driven into desperate choices. Let’s make sure housing is within reach for working families.

5. Build Stronger, Safer Neighborhoods

Fix up public spaces: Parks, playgrounds, and clean, well-lit areas bring neighbors together and keep crime away. Safe, active neighborhoods make a difference.
Support neighborhood watch programs: When neighbors look out for each other, crime goes down. Let’s encourage and support watch groups and community involvement.

6. Take Domestic Violence Seriously

Help for victims: Many violent crimes happen at home. We need more shelters, legal help, and safe spaces for victims of domestic violence.
Early warning signs: Let’s train both officers and everyday citizens to recognize the signs of abuse early—before it turns deadly.

7. Work Together and Keep Everyone Informed

Educate and involve the public: Teach people about conflict resolution, how to stay safe, and the importance of reporting crime. When people know what to look for and how to act, we all win.
Team up for safety: Law enforcement can’t do it alone. Let’s bring together community leaders, churches, nonprofits, and social workers to work hand-in-hand on real solutions.

In Short: A Safer San Antonio Takes All of Us

Fighting crime isn’t just about more police—it’s about smarter policing, stronger communities, and giving people real opportunities. When we invest in our youth, mental health, housing, and education—and build trust between neighbors and police—we create a safer San Antonio for everyone.

It’s time to move from fear to action. Together, we can build a city where every family feels safe, and every child has a future.