The San Marcos Police Department (SMPD) has successfully reached a significant milestone in its mental health response training program. All eligible frontline officers have obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, marking an important achievement in enhancing the department’s approach to individuals facing mental health crises. Currently, a total of 76 officers hold this certification, representing 59 percent of the department.
Achieving this certification has been a multi-year initiative aimed at improving responses to those experiencing mental illness. The eligibility criteria require officers to have a minimum of two years of service before beginning MHPO coursework, which means the pool of eligible candidates is continually evolving. As newer officers reach this threshold, they will enter the same advanced certification program, ensuring that the department maintains its high standards over time. Notably, 57 officers earned the MHPO certification in 2025 alone, with a total of over 4,200 hours of training logged collectively by certified officers that year.
The certification demands a minimum of 74 hours of specialized instruction, covering essential topics such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, first aid, and CPR, alongside a 24-hour Mental Health Officer course.
Community Commitment and Leadership
San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge emphasized the community’s clear demand for improved mental health support. He stated, “We made this a priority because people experiencing crisis deserve skilled officers who know how to de-escalate, support, and connect them to help. This certification ensures our officers have the training and tools they need to do exactly that.”
This investment in training translates directly into operational readiness. Among the certified MHPOs, 54 officers are assigned to roles that interact directly with the public, including patrol, school-based policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams. Beginning in January 2026, the majority of officers on each patrol shift will carry MHPO certifications, significantly enhancing the department’s capacity to handle mental health emergencies effectively.
The Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), Greg Stevens, acknowledged the SMPD’s leadership in addressing mental health from a law enforcement perspective. He stated, “TCOLE is proud to recognize the San Marcos Police Department as it works to ensure its patrol officers are trained and prepared to respond effectively to situations involving citizens experiencing a mental health crisis.”
Building Trust Through Advanced Training
Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson remarked that this accomplishment reflects a deep commitment to community trust. He noted, “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.”
Retired Chief Gene Ellis, Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, congratulated the SMPD for its dedication to this certification process. He emphasized the importance of this achievement, stating, “San Marcos may be among the very few agencies in Texas to have ever achieved this level of certification, setting a benchmark for excellence in our state.”
As the San Marcos Police Department continues to prioritize mental health training, it sets a strong example for other law enforcement agencies, reinforcing the importance of equipping officers with the skills necessary to respond compassionately and effectively to mental health crises.
