Bexar County Sheriff Office requests additional staffing and vehicles for enhanced safety

In a recent work session, Bexar County Commissioners discussed critical staffing and resource needs for the Sheriff’s Office, highlighting the ongoing challenges in maintaining public safety and effective law enforcement in the community.

A significant focus of the meeting was the request for additional personnel and resources to address staffing shortages at the Adult Detention Center (ADC). Sheriff Javier Salazar emphasized the urgent need for ten new detention sergeants to manage the increased inmate population and reduce the reliance on overtime, which currently stands at approximately 1,161 hours daily. The ADC's capacity has expanded without a corresponding increase in staff, leading to safety concerns for both inmates and staff. The proposed sergeants would enhance supervision and oversight, ensuring compliance with state mandates.

The discussion also included plans to restructure patrol districts to improve law enforcement coverage in response to population growth in unincorporated areas. The Sheriff’s Office proposed increasing the number of patrol districts from 16 to 22, which would allow for better resource allocation and quicker response times in high-demand areas. This restructuring aims to enhance public safety and deputy safety as the community continues to grow.

Additionally, the meeting addressed the need for more specialized law enforcement personnel, including four new investigators focused on financial crimes, child safety, and animal crimes. The rising number of cases in these areas has strained current resources, necessitating additional staff to ensure timely investigations and support for victims.

The Sheriff’s Office also requested funding for new vehicles, including five Tahoe patrol vehicles and four sedans for criminal investigations, to support the expanded staffing and operational needs. These enhancements are seen as vital to maintaining effective law enforcement services as Bexar County continues to evolve.

In conclusion, the discussions at the work session reflect a proactive approach by Bexar County officials to address pressing public safety concerns through strategic staffing and resource allocation. As the community grows, these measures aim to ensure that law enforcement can effectively respond to the needs of residents while maintaining safety and security.