The San Marcos Police Department has reached a significant milestone in its mental health readiness training. As of 2025, all eligible frontline officers have obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, marking a major step in enhancing responses to individuals experiencing mental health crises. Currently, 76 officers, representing 59 percent of the department, hold this certification.
State regulations stipulate that officers must complete a minimum of two years of service before they can begin the MHPO coursework. This requirement ensures that the pool of eligible officers is continually refreshed as newer recruits gain experience. In 2025 alone, 57 officers completed the rigorous certification process, which encompasses a minimum of 74 hours of specialized training. This training includes topics such as de-escalation strategies, crisis intervention techniques, first aid, and CPR, along with a dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Officer course. Collectively, these officers logged over 4,200 hours of training this year.
“Our community has been clear about the importance of mental health. We listened,” stated San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge. He emphasized the necessity for officers to be equipped with the skills needed to de-escalate situations and provide support to those in crisis. The training ensures that officers are well-prepared to connect individuals with the appropriate resources.
The commitment to mental health training directly translates to operational readiness. Among the 76 certified MHPOs, 54 officers are assigned to visible roles such as patrol, school policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams. Beginning in January 2026, a majority of officers on every patrol shift will hold MHPO certifications, significantly enhancing the department’s capacity to handle mental health emergencies effectively.
Recognition of this achievement extends beyond the local level. Greg Stevens, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), commended the San Marcos Police Department for its leadership in addressing mental health from a law enforcement perspective. “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,” he noted.
Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson remarked on the significance of this accomplishment, highlighting its role in building community trust. “This remarkable achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to standing by residents during their most vulnerable moments,” he said. The advanced training equips officers to respond with understanding, patience, and compassion, fostering deeper connections with the community.
Additionally, Gene Ellis, Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, congratulated the department on this accomplishment. “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 stated. He noted that San Marcos may be one of the few agencies in Texas to attain this level of certification, establishing a benchmark for excellence within the state.
The San Marcos Police Department’s achievement underscores a proactive approach towards addressing mental health challenges in law enforcement, setting a precedent for other agencies to follow. With a focus on continuous training and community engagement, the department demonstrates its commitment to responding effectively to mental health crises and enhancing public safety.
