In a landmark decision marking a significant transition for local law enforcement, the San Antonio City Council and Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones have voted unanimously to confirm Jesus "Jesse" Salame Jr. as the new chief of the San Antonio Police Department. The decisive approval ensures that, for the first time in two decades, a native of the Alamo City will direct the municipal police force.
The confirmation followed City Manager Erik Walsh's formal recommendation to elevate Salame to the city's top policing post. While the appointment had been widely expected to pass, the unanimous vote cemented municipal leadership's support behind an internal leader who possesses deep roots within both the community and the law enforcement agency.
Ahead of Thursday's council meeting, questions had circulated regarding whether Mayor Gina Ortiz Jones would formally back Walsh's selection. Those uncertainties stemmed from the mayor's noticeable absence from an introductory news conference held the previous week, an event attended by eight of the ten sitting city council members to announce Salame's nomination.
However, any lingering doubts were addressed when Mayor Jones spoke during the council session, noting that she had met privately with Salame prior to the vote to examine his vision for the department. During their discussions, the two reviewed critical operational matters, focusing on his strategic priorities as well as his administrative approach to officer accountability and disciplinary measures.
Mayor Jones voiced her support during the proceedings, highlighting the institutional significance of promoting leadership from within the ranks. She stated that it represents a clear point of pride for the entire department to see an officer rise through the organization over decades of service to reach the pinnacle of municipal command.
Salame, 50, brings 27 years of departmental experience to his new role. Prior to his promotion to chief, he served as assistant chief—the second-highest executive rank in the San Antonio Police Department—and previously acted as chief of staff under his predecessor, former Police Chief William "Bill" McManus.
Salame’s path to the permanent role accelerated earlier in the summer when Walsh appointed him as acting police chief. That interim appointment followed McManus’s decision to move up his planned retirement, formally stepping down on July 10 instead of continuing his tenure through late September as initially scheduled.
McManus’s departure brought an end to an era that began in 2006, during which the department was led by external leadership. McManus had come to San Antonio after serving in Minneapolis, following an extensive law enforcement career within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Police Department.
By assuming the permanent role, Salame achieves an important milestone in departmental history, becoming only the third Hispanic police chief to lead the agency. His confirmation represents a significant moment of representation for a metropolitan area with a predominantly Hispanic population.
A lifelong resident of the city, Salame grew up in the Los Angeles Heights neighborhood located in Central San Antonio. He graduated from Edison High School and later discovered an interest in public safety while taking a criminal justice course at San Antonio College, an experience that led to his nearly three-decade career with the municipal force.
The personal significance of the confirmation was evident in the council chamber, where more than a dozen members of Salame's family assembled to watch the vote. His parents, wife, sons, and siblings were in attendance, joining the council and audience in offering a standing ovation accompanied by cheers once the official decision was announced.
Members of the council praised the appointment for its broader community impact. District 5 Councilwoman Teri Castillo highlighted Salame's deep local ties, describing him as "San Antone to the bone" and emphasizing that his journey from local public schools to the head of the police force delivers an inspiring message to students across the city.
The confirmation meeting also featured lighthearted commentary regarding the change in executive leadership. District 4 Councilman Edward Mungia humorously remarked on Salame’s lack of a social media presence on the platform X, drawing laughs from attendees.
The councilman's comment referenced recent public attention surrounding online activity by former Chief McManus. Prior to stepping down, McManus had drawn scrutiny for sharing discredited posts on his personal social media account regarding claims about the spread of communism in the United States.
With the council’s unanimous backing and the confirmation process concluded, Salame formally takes command of the San Antonio Police Department on a permanent basis. The newly confirmed chief now turns his focus toward departmental priorities, community engagement, and internal oversight as he begins his tenure.
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