safety
SAPD Chief William McManus to retire next week; Accepts new role with Pearl, officials say
By Samuel Rocha IV, Dillon Collier at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate)
· July 1, 2026
· 2 min read
The City of San Antonio announced Police Chief William McManus, 74, will retire next week and join a new security team at Pearl, according to a news release.McManus originally said he will retire from the San Antonio Police Department on Sept. 30, but announced an accelerated retirement on July 1...
Key takeaway 30, but announced an accelerated retirement on July 10, the city’s news release said.
Why this matters in The San Antonio
The retirement of Police Chief William McManus next week marks a significant transition for the San Antonio Police Department, which he has led for nearly 20 years. As the city begins its search for his replacement, the stakes are high for finding a chief who can build trust and improve relationships between law enforcement and the community. The new chief will face ongoing challenges such as addressing public safety concerns and implementing reforms. The city's decision to appoint an acting police chief before McManus' departure suggests a desire for continuity and stability during this period. With City Manager Erik Walsh expected to choose a finalist by September, the city council and mayor will play a crucial role in selecting the next chief, who will shape the department's direction for years to come. The community will be watching closely to see how the city's leadership navigates this transition and what qualities they prioritize in the next police chief.
About this story
Original reporting by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . The San Antonio surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: July 1, 2026 ·
Source: KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 2 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The City of San Antonio announced Police Chief William McManus, 74, will retire next week and join a new security team at Pearl, according to a news release.McManus originally said he will retire from the San Antonio Police Department on Sept. 30, but announced an accelerated retirement on July 1...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 1, 2026 by KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate) and curated for The San Antonio readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Samuel Rocha IV, Dillon Collier at KSAT 12 (ABC affiliate). To learn more about how The San Antonio selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The San Antonio, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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