Public safety leaders cite Sakai’s county‑level experience, Joint City‑County Public Safety Action Plan, sustained investments in BCSO, and “Straight to the Streets” recruiting gains
SAN ANTONIO, TX— At a press conference this afternoon at the Deputy Sheriff’s Association of Bexar County (DSABC) offices, DSABC and the Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas (CLEAT) announced their joint endorsement of County Judge Peter Sakai for re‑election in 2026. Elected in 2022, Judge Sakai is currently serving his first term at the helm of the Bexar County Commissioners Court.
DSABC President Ron Tooke said the decision reflects Judge Sakai’s hands‑on experience at the county level, his Joint City‑County Public Safety Action Plan to align efforts across jurisdictions, his willingness to fund staffing, training, equipment, and technology for the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), and his leadership adopting the Straight to the Streets program to strengthen recruiting and retention.
“That program has drastically improved our ability to recruit and retain deputies, and it’s making a real difference on shifts across this county,” said Tooke. “We are grateful for a county judge who listens to us when we need him, who brings stakeholders together, and who is willing to be accountable for results.”
Acknowledging these accomplishments, County Judge Peter Sakai also thanked deputies and first responders for their partnership and daily service:
“The support of the deputies and law enforcement is a reflection of our decades-long work together to counter child abuse and domestic violence,” said the incumbent who was also the presiding judge of the 225th State District Court before becoming Bexar County Judge. “Along with major investments in mental health and addiction treatment, we share a commitment to strengthening families and addressing the root causes of crime. I’m appreciative for their support, but even more grateful for the daily sacrifices they make to keep our families safe.”
The organizations highlighted that collaboration—not silos—drives results, pointing to the Joint City‑County Public Safety Action Plan and targeted investments that help deputies respond faster, reduce repeat offenses, and keep neighborhoods safe. They also credited Straight to the Streets with cutting red tape to get qualified candidates into the field more efficiently while improving retention.
