The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) has successfully reached a significant milestone in its commitment to mental health response. As of now, every eligible frontline officer has obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, marking the culmination of a multi-year initiative aimed at enhancing responses to individuals experiencing mental illness or crisis. This achievement means that a total of 76 officers, representing 59 percent of the department, are now certified.
State regulations stipulate that officers must complete a minimum of two years of service before they can begin MHPO training, which means the pool of eligible candidates is constantly evolving. As new officers meet this requirement, they will enter the same advanced certification pathway, ensuring the department maintains a high standard in mental health readiness over the long term. In 2025 alone, 57 officers earned this certification, collectively logging over 4,200 hours of specialized training. The certification process includes a minimum of 74 hours of instruction in essential areas such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, first aid, and CPR, along with a dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Officer course.
“Our community has been clear about the importance of mental health. We listened,” said San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. He emphasized that the department made this training a priority because individuals experiencing a crisis deserve officers equipped with the skills to de-escalate situations and provide support. This initiative is designed to ensure that officers have the necessary training and tools to assist those in need effectively.
The impact of this certification is already evident in the field. Out of the 76 certified MHPOs, 54 are assigned to roles that engage with the public, including patrol, school-based policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams. Beginning in January 2026, the majority of officers on every patrol shift will hold MHPO certifications. This strategic move significantly enhances the department’s capacity to respond effectively to mental health emergencies.
Recognition of the department’s efforts comes from various officials. Greg Stevens, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), remarked, “San Marcos has taken a leadership position in addressing mental health in society from the law enforcement perspective and demonstrated its sincere commitment to serve the community.” He added that TCOLE is proud to acknowledge the SMPD for its dedication to ensuring patrol officers are well-prepared to manage situations involving citizens experiencing mental health crises.
Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson also highlighted the achievement as a reflection of the city’s commitment to community trust. “This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to standing by residents during their most vulnerable moments,” he stated. He noted that with this advanced training, officers are better equipped to respond with understanding, patience, and compassion, fostering a deeper trust between the police department and the community.
The dedication of the SMPD has not gone unnoticed by other law enforcement leaders. Gene Ellis, Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, congratulated the entire department for this accomplishment. He stated, “Their dedication to completing this extensive certification process reflects an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to the San Marcos community.” Ellis highlighted that San Marcos may be among the very few agencies in Texas to achieve this level of certification, establishing a benchmark for excellence in the state.
The San Marcos Police Department’s focus on mental health training underscores a growing recognition of the critical role law enforcement plays in addressing mental health issues in society. As the department continues to invest in its officers’ training, it sets a precedent for others in the region, enhancing the overall safety and well-being of the community.
