The San Marcos Police Department has reached a significant milestone in its commitment to mental health response readiness. As of now, every eligible frontline officer has obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, marking the completion of a multi-year goal aimed at enhancing how officers interact with individuals facing mental health issues or crises. A total of 76 officers, accounting for 59 percent of the department, currently hold this certification.
State regulations stipulate that officers must serve a minimum of two years before they can enroll in MHPO coursework, resulting in a continuously evolving eligible pool. As new officers meet this requirement, they will proceed through the same advanced certification track, ensuring long-term adherence to these standards. Notably, 57 officers earned their certification in 2025 alone, collectively logging over 4,200 hours of training, which includes essential components such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention strategies, first aid, CPR, and a dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Officer course.
Community Trust and Preparedness
“Our community has been clear about the importance of mental health. We listened,” said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. He emphasized that prioritizing this training ensures that officers are equipped to de-escalate situations and provide necessary support to individuals in crisis. With 54 officers assigned to public-facing roles—such as patrol, school-based policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams—the department is well-prepared to handle mental health emergencies effectively.
Beginning in January 2026, the majority of officers on every patrol shift will possess MHPO certifications, further enhancing the department’s capability to respond to mental health crises.
Acknowledgments and Future Goals
Commending the San Marcos Police Department for its efforts, Greg Stevens, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), stated, “San Marcos has taken a leadership position in addressing mental health in society from the law enforcement perspective.” He highlighted the department’s dedication to ensuring that patrol officers are well-equipped to handle situations involving individuals experiencing mental health challenges.
Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson noted that this accomplishment reflects an investment in community trust. “This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to standing by residents during their most vulnerable moments. With this advanced training, our officers are equipped to respond with understanding, patience, and compassion, thereby deepening the trust between our department and the community we serve,” he said.
Former Texas Police Chiefs Association Executive Director Gene Ellis also congratulated the department, stating, “Their dedication to completing this extensive certification process reflects an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to the San Marcos community.” He underscored that San Marcos may be among the few agencies in Texas to have achieved this level of certification, setting a benchmark for excellence across the state.
Through this initiative, the San Marcos Police Department not only enhances its operational readiness but also reaffirms its commitment to serving the community with sensitivity and professionalism.
