San Antonio Police Officers’ Association Begins Three-Year Contract Negotiations With the City of San Antonio

New proposal centers on officer retention, healthcare access, and training improvements through 2029

SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS – JAN. 30, 2026 – Today, the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association has formally entered collective bargaining negotiations with the City of San Antonio, a process that occurs every 3-5 years to help ensure officers have the support and resources needed to continue serving the community safely and effectively. 

The agreement under negotiation would take effect October 1, 2026 through September 30, 2029. At the core of SAPOA’s proposal are three priority areas: competitive wages, accessible healthcare, and improved training; each of which aim to strengthen retention, readiness, and public trust.

• Competitive Wages to Retain Officers  

1. • San Antonio officers earn significantly less than their counterparts in comparable Texas cities, making it harder to retain experience officers and new ones. Current base pay in comparable markets exceeds San Antonio’s ($62,916):
     • Austin: $70,644
     • Dallas: $75,397
     • Houston: $75,000
     • Laredo: $69,308
   • Notably, these cities serve populations ranging from approximately 263,000 (Laredo) to more than 2.3 million (Houston), placing San Antonio, one of the nation’s largest Texas cities, at a competitive disadvantage in officer compensation.
   • To address both inflation and market pressures, SAPOA is proposing a structured, multi-year compensation plan that balances the cost-of-living adjustments and targeted wage increases. 
   • SAPOA’s proposal includes a 3% cost-of-living adjustment each October to keep pace with inflation, along with hourly wage increases each April totaling $5/hour over three years.  
   • This approach is designed to help officers afford to live in the city they serve, reduce turnover, and retain experienced personnel to provide continuity and stability for our community. 

• Healthcare Access for Physical and Mental Wellness 

1. • To meet both the physical and mental demands of policing, SAPOA is seeking an increase in Health Savings Account (HSA) contributions to half of the IRS maximum family contribution limit ($4,375 based on current 2026 limits). 
   • Accessible healthcare reflects the City’s commitment to ensure officers have the support they need, keeping them not only healthy but focused and present, on and off, the job. 

• Strengthening Field Training 

1. • Field Training Officers (FTOs) play a critical role in shaping new officers, setting expectations, and preparing recruits for real-world situations. 
   • SAPOA is proposing targeted improvements to better support experienced officers and strengthen training consistency across patrol shifts. Beginning October 2026: 
     • Monthly FTO pay would increase from $265 to $500 for officers assigned to patrol shifts.
     • Each patrol shift would have a designated Field Training Supervisor, with pay increasing from $265 to $300 per month.

“These negotiations are about more than a contract, they’re about stability, retention, and public safety,” said Danny Diaz, President of the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association. “A safer, stronger community begins with investing in officers who have sworn to protect it.” 

“When officers can afford to live here, access healthcare, and receive strong training, the entire community benefits,” continued Diaz. “We look forward to engaging in good-faith discussions with City leadership to reach an agreement that supports officers, respects taxpayers, and helps ensure San Antonio remains a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.”

ABOUT THE SAN ANTONIO POLICE OFFICERS’ ASSOCIATION

Since 1946, the San Antonio Police Officers’ Association (SAPOA) has had a singular focus: to represent, preserve, and protect the benefits earned through dedicated service through the community. SAPOA works to strengthen the connections between our officers and community. The Association’s leadership consists of uniformed officers elected by the membership and entrusted with carrying forward the message of service and integrity to the City of San Antonio. To learn more about SAPOA, please visit www.sapoa.org