SUMMARY:
This memo provides an overview of the various citizen participation and community policing units employed by the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD).
BACKGROUND:
Community engagement is the core of SAPD's philosophy on community policing. Fostering a close working relationship with the community is vital to providing effective police services and maintaining a safe and fear free environment. The Department is committed to this effort and is always accessing its methods to improve the impact of community oriented policing.
The following is a summary of each of the programs SAPD utilizes for community policing. These programs allow the department to be effective in the community, as well as provide a safe environment.
San Antonio Fear Free Environment (SAFFE) units are located at each of SAPD's six substations. Each unit consists of two sergeants and approximately fifteen officers who focus on identifying, evaluating and resolving community crime issues in cooperation and participation with residents.
SAFFE officers are assigned to specific areas within the city and work closely with both residents and patrol officers also assigned to those areas. SAFFE officers establish and maintain day-to-day interaction with residents and businesses, in order to prevent crimes before they happen. SAFFE officers act as liaisons with other City agencies, work closely with schools and youth programs, coordinate graffiti-removal activities, and serve as resources to residents.
Problem Oriented Policing (POP) unit is not assigned to any one substation. Instead, they are deployed throughout the City based on priority as determined by police intelligence, crime data, and other factors. The Unit consists of one lieutenant, three sergeants, and a number of detectives and officers who assist with "POP projects."
These POP projects are short term (generally two to six weeks) deployments of POP personnel to investigate "hot spot" issues such as incre...
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