SAN ANTONIO — The Bexar County Sheriff's Office said in a Facebook post this week it will add deputies to downtown areas starting this weekend.
The Facebook post reads in part:
"Starting this weekend, tourists and Riverwalk merchants alike will see a new sight on the Riverwalk. BCSO deputies, in their readily identifiable Stetsons will be conducting foot patrols along the Riverwalk. Sheriff Javier Salazar met with downtown business leaders who requested a more pronounced presence along the tourist attraction area. BCSO SCORE deputies will be conducting extra patrols at least throughout the summer months."
BCSO also said deputies will assist tourists with finding common attractions and will be present to help with any issues with the homeless community.
The development comes after the San Antonio chapter of the Texas Restaurant Association met with city and county leaders to discuss a need for more law enforcement along the River Walk.
Association officials noted there’ve been issues with homeless people panhandling, swiping tips and food off tables, and defecating in front of businesses.
Dawn Ann Larios, executive director of the TRA's west region, stressed there’s a need for boosting business as the Alamo City continues to welcome more tourists. She hopes the program results in the homeless community receiving proper resources to get help while ensuring downtown is a safe place to be.
The San Antonio Police Department says the BCSO assistance was specifically requested by downtown businesses. Below is a statement sent to KENS 5 from SAPD:
"The Department did not request the assistance of the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office along the Riverwalk.
"It is our understanding the Sheriff’s Office’s presence was requested by Downtown business owners. The Department tailors its crime fighting strategy according to issues discovered by officers on patrol, in addition to the regular meetings the Department has with Downtown business owners. The issue of officer presence has not been raised in recent conversations.
"For context, in August of last year, the Department implemented a Community Oriented Policing strategy downtown that actually increased officer presence in areas highly traveled by tourists. As part of the strategy, officers are required to make contact daily with Downtown businesses located in tourism hot spots. It is worth noting that many of the issues officers encounter Downtown are city ordinance violations. The Department will continue to enforce the law and keep Downtown safe for the community and tourists alike."
Salazar noted the Hats on the River Walk initiative will last at least through the summer months and focus primarily on the weekends.