San Angelo Police Chief Carter Talks Crime & Salaries

SAN ANGELO — Retiring San Angelo Police Chief Frank Carter was the keynote speaker at the Pachyderm Club this week. Carter expressed gratitude to the two candidates competing for his position in the May 2024 election. During his address, he highlighted the decrease in crime rates in San Angelo throughout his tenure and also noted a decline in traffic citations over recent years.

Accompanied by a PowerPoint presentation illustrating a consistent reduction in issued citations, Carter said, "I don’t believe that everyone needs a citation or needs to go to jail. It's just not necessary. I like that our officers are giving warnings, I don’t have a problem with that at all." He emphasized a focus beyond minor infractions, suggesting that law enforcement's priorities extend beyond penalizing elderly drivers for slight speed limit violations.

Before his presentation, Chief Carter graciously participated in an interview, offering candid responses to various questions.

When asked about the content of his presentation, Carter listed several topics including manpower, crime, wages, budget, integrity, and recruitment.

Regarding the ongoing Chief race, Carter mentioned the prominence of the two main candidates, noting the limited time for others to gain traction in the race.

Expressing concerns about SAPD salaries, Carter highlighted his efforts advocating for a pay increase, citing the department's current compensation being 18-20% below standard. He mentioned a recent meeting addressing this issue.

Discussing post-retirement plans, Carter enthusiastically shared his intention to indulge in sailing and fishing, eventually considering guided fishing tours along the coast.

As for any potential future political aspirations, Chief Carter firmly stated his focus on spending time with family and friends, enjoying fishing trips, and expressed little inclination toward running for office again.

Chief Frank Carter's eight-year tenure is widely regarded as instrumental in fortifying San Angelo, Texas, as a safer, more resilient, and sought-after city. Many residents credit Carter with reinstating integrity within the SAPD, revitalizing the department's credibility during his tenure.