Military and the SAPD

You served our country well. Continue serving your community with the SAPD.

The San Antonio Police Department would like to thank all military veterans for proudly serving in the United States Armed Forces. You have a great opportunity to continue the professionalism, pride and dedication to service you started by serving the citizens of San Antonio as a police officer.

Utilizing Your Military Skills
The skills you learned during your military service, such as leadership, physical and mental toughness, ability to work with others and under pressure, ability to give and follow directions, sense of honor and selfless attitude, can be directly applied to civilian law enforcement.

If you previously served on a special ops team like bomb squad or helicopter, your skills are particularly vital to the SAPD. While your past history does not guarantee you a spot in any of the SAPD’s special units, it does give you an advantage when an opening in one of those units is available — allowing you to continue doing what you love and are good at.

Continued Military Service
San Antonio is home to four major military installations and host to many Guard and Reserve units representing all branches of the Armed Forces. You will find the San Antonio Police Department very supportive should you choose to continue your career in the Guard or Reserve.

The SAPD provides 15 paid military days annually to reservists and guardsmen to perform military duties. Additionally, we recognize that between drill weekends and annual tour requirements additional time may be necessary. As a result, officers can “flex” their days off once a month to line up with drill weekends. This allows you to save the 15 days for annual tour so that you do not have to use personal leave to complete military duties.

Local Military Medical Services
With four major military installations in the San Antonio area, military retirees, reservists and guardsmen will find the city conveniently located near military medical facilities, military shopping and military sports and recreation facilities.

Talk to a Former Military Police Officer
The SAPD understands that there are specific questions potential military applicants are interested in asking before applying to become a police officer. That is why our recruitment team includes two ex-military members who can provide first-hand testimonials about what it is like to transition to a career with the SAPD. You can meet them by clicking here.

In addition, read the story of Hostage Negotiator Willie Dillon to get his military perspective on the SAPD.