SAN ANTONIO — Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado announced a new initiative aimed at restoring trust and credibility in the police department Monday morning.
The "Guardian Initiative" will focus on transforming the Uvalde Police Department to better serve the community, improve officer performances and modernize the city's police force.
Delgado is set to hold a department-wide review of past actions including one-on-one interviews with every UPD officer in order to ensure transparency and accountability. He also plans to implement new training standards and development programs, according to a press release sent from UPD.
Delgado provided the following statement:
“As officers, we are accountable to the people who depend on us, and we must demonstrate the highest levels of professionalism and responsiveness to carry out the core mission of every single officer – protecting the safety of the Uvalde community. The Guardian Initiative is key to the transformation of our department, and will require hard work, discipline, extensive training, and community engagement to enhance the department’s capabilities while ensuring integrity and transparency in our operations. We look forward to working hand-in-hand with the entire Uvalde community as UPD undergoes these critical changes to keep Uvalde Safe.”
Loved ones of those killed at Robb Elementary welcome the Guardian Initiative as a possible path toward securing transparency and accountability.
“That’s what we’ve been asking from the very beginning is transparency, accountability and justice. We need them to come out and say look, we failed, we failed, and we’re going to do what is right moving forward," said Brett Cross.
Cross has been fighting for the future of children in the classroom for the past two years after he lost his son Uziyah Garcia in the tragedy at Robb Elementary. He believes Delgado could be the one who helps transform UPD for the better, however Cross is eager to learn more about the specifics of the Guardian Initiative.
"I've had plenty of conversations with Chief Delgado and he wants to do right," Cross said. “All we are trying to do is make a better world for everybody because nothing that we say or do brings back Uzi, but it can protect your child."
Jesse Rizo, uncle of Jackie Cazares, stressed actions speak louder than words. He's open minded but guarded about Delgado's plans, especially after the release of the City of Uvalde's investigation into the Robb Elementary shooting absolved UPD for their actions on May 24, 2022, prompting immense frustration among community members.
“The press release looks great on paper, but is there any substance to it is going to be the key," Rizo said. “We got to have a little bit of faith and be a little bit optimistic, but we’ve been let down so many times so we got to be cautious with that.”
The new initiative was unveiled at the direction of the Uvalde city council and city manager.
Chief Delgado was not available for an interview to answer questions about the Guardian Initiative.
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