Texas Border Business
By Roberto Hugo González
John Saenz, recently appointed Public Information Officer (PIO) for the McAllen Police Department, brings over two decades of experience to this pivotal role. His career, which spanned 21 years entirely with the McAllen Police Department, reflects his commitment to public service and his deep connection to the city. As he steps into his new position, Saenz is eager to ensure transparency and effective communication between the department, the media, and the public.
“I feel great. This is a great department to work for,” Saenz said, reflecting on his new role. Despite his recent appointment, his familiarity with the department and its operations runs deep. “I’ve been here for 21 years, from the start to where I am now. I haven’t been with any other department,” he shared, emphasizing his longstanding loyalty to McAllen’s law enforcement community.
His journey with the McAllen Police Department began through the McAllen Police Academy, and over the years, he has held various positions within the department. His career has been shaped by multiple roles, most notably in the records and information unit and, more recently, in the evidence unit. This diverse experience has equipped him with the knowledge and skills critical to his role as PIO.
“Actually, no,” he said when asked if this was his first experience in the department’s information division. “I was part of the records and information unit years back. I got trained up and exposed to the information side of policing, record collection, dissemination of that information, and public inquiries both by media and the general public.” This early exposure to handling public inquiries and managing sensitive information set the stage for his current responsibilities as the department’s primary liaison with the press and the community.
In addition to his work in records, Saenz also spent time in the evidence unit, a role that further honed his understanding of the complexities of law enforcement. “Just recently, coming from the evidence unit, I was transferred back to the records division,” he explained, highlighting how these experiences have broadened his understanding of police operations. His role in evidence handling gave him unique insights into the importance of accuracy, thoroughness, and the careful management of critical information—skills that will undoubtedly serve him well in his current position.
Saenz clarified that he remains open and accessible to the media and the public. “I will be available as much as I can, by phone, email, or in person,” he assured, emphasizing his commitment to transparency and responsiveness.
As Saenz steps into the role previously held by Lt. Joel Morales, who recently retired, he is focused on ensuring continuity in the department’s communication efforts. “Essentially, I will continue with the role and responsibilities of the person who was here before,” he said, clarifying that his priority is maintaining the high standards already set. He aims to provide the same level of service and accessibility as the community expects.
When asked about potential changes in the department’s operations, Saenz quickly clarified that such decisions are beyond his purview. “I couldn’t speak to department-wide changes. That’s kind of at a level way above my head,” he explained. However, he expressed confidence in the department’s existing systems, stating, “As far as the service that has been provided and we continue to provide, I hope to continue along those lines.”
Saenz also reflected on his personal experience with the McAllen Police Department, expressing a deep appreciation for the opportunities it has provided him. “I’ve always been amazed, and I’ve always been eager to work for the city of McAllen, for the McAllen Police Department,” he said, noting that his career has been filled with opportunities for growth and service. “The opportunities here are staggering. If you take a step back and look at it, the job positions and opportunities I’ve had to serve in official capacity have benefited me.”
As he looks ahead, Saenz hopes to bring his accumulated experience to his role as Public Information Officer, sharing that knowledge with the public and building solid relationships with the media. “I bring that experience to the information office and again hope to share that experience with the public,” he said, signaling his commitment to fostering trust and ensuring open lines of communication between the department and the community it serves.
John Saenz’s appointment as Public Information Officer is more than just a new role—it is a continuation of a career dedicated to serving the McAllen community. With his extensive background in records, information management, and evidence handling, he is uniquely positioned to ensure that the McAllen Police Department remains transparent, responsive, and connected to the people it serves. His enthusiasm for the role and commitment to the city make him an asset to the department and the community. “The opportunities here are amazing,” Saenz reiterated, “and I hope to continue serving the department and the public in this new capacity.”
