The San Marcos Police Department has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its mental health response capabilities. All eligible frontline officers have obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, completing a multi-year effort aimed at improving responses to individuals experiencing mental illness or crisis. Currently, 76 officers are certified, which represents 59 percent of the department’s personnel.
The path to certification involves a rigorous process, as state law mandates a minimum of two years of service before officers can begin MHPO coursework. As newer officers reach this benchmark, they will also enter the advanced certification track, which ensures the department maintains its high standards in mental health response. In 2025 alone, 57 officers successfully completed the certification requirements.
The MHPO certification entails at least 74 hours of specialized training, covering essential topics such as de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, first aid, and CPR, alongside a dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Officer course. Collectively, officers who earned this certification in 2025 logged over 4,200 hours of training.
Commitment to Community Mental Health
San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge emphasized the department’s commitment to mental health, stating, “Our community has been clear about the importance of mental health. We listened. 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 equips officers with the necessary training and tools to respond effectively in the field.
Of the 76 certified MHPOs, 54 are assigned to public-facing roles, which include patrol duties, school-based policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams. Beginning in January 2026, the majority of officers on each patrol shift will have MHPO certification, significantly enhancing the department’s ability to address mental health emergencies.
Acknowledgment from State Officials
The accomplishment has garnered recognition from various state 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.” Stevens expressed pride in acknowledging the department’s efforts to ensure its officers are adequately trained for mental health crisis situations.
Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson highlighted the community trust reflected in this achievement. He stated, “This remarkable accomplishment 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, also congratulated the San Marcos Police Department for its dedication to this extensive certification process. He noted, “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.”
This achievement not only enhances the officers’ skills but also reflects the department’s commitment to evolving in response to community needs. The San Marcos Police Department’s proactive approach sets a precedent for law enforcement agencies across Texas and beyond, underlining the importance of mental health awareness and training in policing.
