San Antonio Police Chief William McManus to retire
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San Antonio Police Chief William McManus as seen at a City Council committee meeting in September 2024. Photo: Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News via Getty Images
San Antonio Police Chief William McManus will retire by September, the city announced Friday.
Why it matters: McManus, the city's longest-serving police chief, oversaw major policy changes and led through moments of upheaval during his two decades on the job.
- He was at the helm through 2020 protests in San Antonio and calls to defund SAPD following the murder of George Floyd in Minneapolis.
What they're saying: "I am proud of the men and women protecting our community. Together, we have strengthened trust and advanced public safety," McManus said in a statement.
- "I remain fully committed to this work through my final year and to supporting a smooth and thoughtful transition."
Between the lines: McManus faced internal pushback in recent months following the acquittal of three former officers in the 2023 death of Melissa Perez, who was experiencing a mental health crisis when police shot her.
- McManus joined top city officials at the time in swiftly condemning the shooting, saying that officers' "actions were not consistent with SAPD's policy and training."
After the acquittal, police union president Danny Diaz criticized McManus' actions in the wake of the shooting as "politically motivated." He wanted the union to consider a vote of no confidence in McManus.
- The union ultimately decided last month not to hold the vote. Diaz said there were "ongoing concerns" among officers but that any decisions about McManus' future were ultimately up to the city, KSAT reported.
Context: McManus has weathered rocky times before. The police union in 2016 called for his resignation after members voted they had no confidence in McManus following the 2016 police shooting of Antronie Scott, a Black man who was unarmed.
Flashback: McManus first became police chief in 2006 after serving in the same role in Minneapolis.
- He retired once before — at the end of 2014 — and briefly joined CPS Energy as senior director of security.
- But he returned to the role of police chief just nine months later, citing a change of heart.
City manager Erik Walsh said in a statement that McManus "is an exceptional leader whose incredible experience and steady leadership have strengthened public safety across San Antonio and set an example for other cities nationwide."
- "He has built strong relationships with our community and with police officers."
How it works: Walsh is in charge of hiring a new police chief. The City Council must approve the appointment.
What's next: McManus will present the city's 2025 crime statistics to the City Council's Public Safety Committee on Tuesday.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and has been updated throughout.