SAN ANTONIO – Jesus “Jesse” Salame sat down with KSAT’s Dillon Collier in his first one-on-one interview since being appointed San Antonio’s next police chief.
Salame was selected through a nationwide portal of applicants, City Manager Erik Walsh said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon.
Watch Salame’s full conversation with KSAT Investigates’ Dillon Collier tonight at 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. on the Nightbeat in this article, on KSAT Plus and on KSAT 12 News.
Salame, a 26-year veteran of the police department, formerly worked as a homicide detective, a spokesman, chief of staff and assistant police chief.
Salame said every role he’s worked had purpose and he believes he’s the person to guide the department into the future.
“This is just the right moment,” Salame said. “This department is evolving.”
Salame also recognized his predecessor, William McManus, who was at the helm of the police department for 20 years.
“That’s an accomplishment that I don’t think will ever be topped,” Salame said. “His humbleness and ability to take feedback, to take criticism, was a real key component to our relationship.”
As chief, Salame said he wants to repair SAPD’s relationship with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office.
“That relationship is really important,” Salame said. “The downside of that relationship when it goes bad, is that people start to think there is no justice for them.”
Salame said he also sees himself taking a different approach when it comes to officer discipline.
“Discipline is part of the job, and we have to do that well. That’s an industry standard, but there are certain situations where we can set up and find teachable moments,” Salame said. “Mistakes are not misconduct and we need to be able to tell the difference between the two.”
Watch the full interview in the video player above.
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