San Antonio TX, July 31, 2025
News Summary
The San Antonio Park Police Officer Association has filed a $25 million lawsuit against the city demanding formal recognition and compensation for over 150 officers. This suit highlights the critical role of park police in law enforcement across 18,000 acres of land, which includes notable sites like the Riverwalk. The legal action comes amidst city plans to merge park and airport police into the San Antonio Police Department, raising concerns over recognition, compensation, and staffing shortages.
San Antonio Park Police Officers Demand Formal Recognition and Compensation in $25 Million Lawsuit Against City
The San Antonio Park Police Officer Association has filed an amended lawsuit seeking formal recognition and compensation from the city of San Antonio. This legal action represents over 150 park and airport police officers and demands $25 million in damages, along with legal rights and benefits as mandated by Texas law.
Park Police officers maintain law enforcement responsibilities over more than 18,000 acres of park land in San Antonio, which includes well-known locations such as the Riverwalk and Hemisfair. They operate with the same jurisdiction and authority as the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and often collaborate with SAPD officers during law enforcement activities.
Association President Henry Bassuk emphasized the necessity for the city to formally acknowledge the services provided by park police officers and their rights under the law following 15 years of cooperation with SAPD. The suit comes as the city announces plans to merge park and airport police into the SAPD, a concept that has reportedly been under discussion since 2008.
Despite the proposed merger, the association claims that park officers have not received full recognition or compensation as required by state law. San Antonio city officials recently revealed that they would phase out both the Park and Airport Police departments to address staffing shortages. This restructuring comes as SAPD Chief William McManus noted significant vacancies within both departments—51 out of 194 positions in Park Police and 12 out of 61 in Airport Police are currently unfilled.
The city plans to stop recruiting for Park and Airport Police roles, transferring their responsibilities to SAPD officers while allowing existing officers to retain their jobs. However, Park and Airport Police officers receive less training compared to SAPD officers and possess limited investigative capabilities.
Chief McManus stated this restructuring aims to enhance public safety and mitigate the costs associated with overtime spent on covering vacancies. Although this decision may increase overall expenses due to better pension benefits provided to SAPD officers, the city believes it will streamline operations.
This lawsuit comes in the wake of a federal jury’s ruling against the SAPD for excessive force in a separate incident involving a Dallas man. The jury awarded the individual $265,000 after determining certain officers were guilty of using excessive force and performing an illegal search. The man had initially called 911 believing he was approached by fake police and was later released when officers found no probable cause for arrest.
The current legal dispute underscores a larger issue regarding the recognition and compensation of park and airport police officers, both of whom play vital roles within the San Antonio community. As the city enacts these significant changes, the outcome of the lawsuit could set a precedent for how law enforcement agencies in Texas address the rights and needs of their officers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main objective of the lawsuit filed by the San Antonio Park Police Officer Association?
The main objective of the lawsuit is to seek formal recognition and compensation for over 150 park and airport police officers, totaling $25 million, along with legal rights and benefits mandated by Texas law.
Why is the city of San Antonio merging the Park Police and Airport Police departments into the SAPD?
The city is merging these departments to address staffing shortages and improve public safety while reducing costs associated with maintaining vacant positions.
What responsibilities do the Park Police officers have?
Park Police officers are responsible for law enforcement over more than 18,000 acres of park land in San Antonio, including areas like the Riverwalk and Hemisfair.
How many officers are currently unfilled in the Park and Airport Police departments?
As of the latest reports, 51 out of 194 positions in Park Police and 12 out of 61 in Airport Police are unfilled.
What training differences exist between Park Police officers and SAPD officers?
Park and Airport Police officers undergo less training compared to SAPD officers and have limited investigative abilities.
Key Features of the San Antonio Park Police Lawsuit
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Lawsuit Amount | $25 million |
| Represented Officers | More than 150 Park and Airport Police officers |
| Responsibilities | Law enforcement over 18,000 acres, including Riverwalk and Hemisfair |
| Unfilled Positions | 51 out of 194 in Park Police, 12 out of 61 in Airport Police |
| Merger Plans | Integrating Park and Airport Police into SAPD |
| Training Differences | Less training and limited investigative capabilities compared to SAPD |
| Recent Incident | Federal ruling against SAPD for excessive force, $265,000 awarded |
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Additional Resources
- KSAT News: San Antonio Park Police Officers Push for Recognition
- Wikipedia: San Antonio Police Department
- KENS5 News: San Antonio Park Police Departments
- Google Search: San Antonio Park Police Lawsuit
- Express News: Federal Jury on SAPD Excessive Force
- Google Scholar: SAPD Lawsuit
- News4 San Antonio: Lawsuit on Officer-Involved Shooting
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Texas Law Enforcement
- Express News: Park and Airport Police Legal Win
- Google News: San Antonio Police Recognition
Author: STAFF HERE SAN ANTONIO WRITER
The SAN ANTONIO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERESanAntonio.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in San Antonio, Bexar County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Fiesta San Antonio, San Antonio Stock Show & Rodeo, and Dia de los Muertos. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater San Antonio Chamber of Commerce and United Way of San Antonio and Bexar County, plus leading businesses in retail, insurance, and energy that power the local economy such as H-E-B, USAA, and Valero Energy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREDallas.com, and HEREHouston.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
