SAN ANTONIO -- In a proposal expected to go before city council later this summer, the San Antonio Police Department would take over command of the city's detention officers.
The more than 40 officers, who run the city's 24/7 detention operation, are currently under the command of Municipal Court administration.
"It makes sense to us in a lot of ways because our officers are the primary users of the facility, day in and day out, whether it's booking a prisoner or getting a warrant signed," SAPD Sgt. Jesse Salame said Thursday.
Salame added that logistical and budget questions need to be answered before a formal presentation is given to council later this summer.
If approved by council, the proposed changes would go into effect for the start of the new fiscal year October 1, according to city officials.
"This is nothing to worry about for any of the people currently there. Nobody is going to lose their job and I think that's very important for them to know. This is going to be a good thing," said Salame.
The move would mark the latest increase to SAPD's command structure.
Last year, the city marshal's unit was disbanded and those officers were absorbed by SAPD's Park Police.
In 2009, SAPD took over command of both the city's airport police division and park ranger division, which was later renamed Park Police.
"Chief wants what's best for the city, best for the department, so he's on board with this," Salame said when asked how SAPD Chief William McManus feels about the potential move.
Bexar County Sheriff Susan Pamerleau released the following statement Thursday when asked by the I-Team about the proposal:
SAPD is taking responsibility for the employees who work for the municipal courts. BCSO is working with SAPD to improve processes and procedures across the board at the magistrate’s office. Discussions are ongoing between multiple stakeholders regarding the location and long term status of the facility.
Sources say county officials have expressed an interest in eventually moving the Central Magistrate's Office, which processes paperwork for suspects after they have been brought into the city's detention facility.