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On Friday, September 11th, San Antonio Police Chief William McManus issued new orders updating SAPD policies regarding how the police respond to mental health calls and prohibiting the use of “no knock” warrants. This June Chief McManus suspended the use of “no knock” warrants for both search and arrest warrants, however, this Friday marked the permanent end.

This seems to come shortly after the heartbreaking death of Damian Lamar Daniels, a 30-year-old veteran who was killed at the hands of the Bexar County Sheriff Department on August 26th. Daniels was suicidal and distraught after the deaths of several family members and after four mental health-related calls, he was killed during a struggle with three deputies.

“The newly established Escalated Mental Health Crisis Protocol’s objective provides officers with a way to help an individual who is in need of mental health assistance. This new protocol aims to de-escalate situations and equip officers with the tools needed in the field to protect lives,” said Police Chief William McManus.

The updated procedures are detailed below:
Procedures 503, entitled Obtaining and Executing Arrest Warrants and Procedures 504, entitled Execution of Search Warrants have been revised as follows:

  • Prohibits officers from applying for or participating in the service of “no knock” search warrant entries
  • Prohibits officers from applying for or participating in the service of “no knock” arrest warrants.
  • Prohibits entry into premises when serving high-risk warrants and requires the use of alternative strategies to include setting up a perimeter and encouraging the individual being sought to surrender.

The Escalated Mental Health Crisis Call Protocol will be used for mental health crisis calls involving violent acts or the presence of weapons. The protocol includes the following provisions:

  • The Communications Unit will try to determine if a service call is a mental health crisis involving weapons or violence. If an Escalated Mental Health Crisis Call exists, the dispatcher will dispatch a supervisor to the scene.
  • The responding officer will coordinate with the assigned supervisor and will try to contact the complainant to gather as much information as possible prior to the supervisor’s arrival. If an Escalated Mental Health Crisis Call exists, then the SAPD Mental Health Unit Supervisor will dispatch the SAPD Mental Health team to respond to the location.
  • Responding officers will not approach the person in crisis unless the person initiates contact or there is a life-threatening situation. Officers are instructed to evaluate the situation and to be prepared to take appropriate measures to protect themselves and others. Officers are also instructed to conduct interviews of relatives, friends, neighbors, or others that can provide useful information.

“Today is a win for our city,” said District 6 Councilwoman Melissa Cabello Havrda.

I agree with you, Melissa. Hopefully, better times are coming. 💚