The San Marcos Police Department has achieved a significant milestone in enhancing its mental health response capabilities. Every eligible frontline officer has successfully obtained the Mental Health Peace Officer (MHPO) certification, marking the completion of a multi-year initiative aimed at improving 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’s personnel.
State law stipulates that officers must serve a minimum of two years before being eligible to pursue MHPO coursework, meaning the pool of eligible candidates is continually changing. As newer officers reach this threshold, they will enter the same advanced certification track, ensuring the department maintains high standards in mental health training over the long term. Notably, 57 officers attained this certification in 2025 alone, reflecting a strong commitment to training.
The MHPO certification program requires participants to complete at least 74 hours of specialized instruction. This training covers essential areas, including de-escalation techniques, crisis intervention, first aid, CPR, and a dedicated 24-hour Mental Health Officer course. Collectively, officers who completed the certification in 2025 logged over 4,200 hours of training, underscoring the department’s dedication to preparedness.
“Our community has been clear about the importance of mental health. We listened,” said Stan Standridge, Chief of the San Marcos Police Department. “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.”
The implications of this training extend beyond certification, directly impacting field readiness. Of the 76 certified MHPOs, 54 are assigned to roles that interact with the public, including patrol duties, school-based policing, downtown operations, and crisis response teams. Starting in January 2026, most officers on each patrol shift will possess MHPO certifications, thereby enhancing the department’s capacity to respond effectively to mental health emergencies.
“This accomplishment reflects our unwavering commitment to standing by residents during their most vulnerable moments,” stated Lonzo Anderson, Assistant City Manager. “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.”
The recognition of the San Marcos Police Department’s efforts extends beyond local officials. Greg Stevens, Executive Director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE), commended the department for its proactive approach. “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 remarked. “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.”
Finally, Gene Ellis (retired), Executive Director of the Texas Police Chiefs Association, congratulated the San Marcos Police Department for this achievement. He noted, “Their dedication to completing this extensive certification process reflects an unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standard of service to the San Marcos community. 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 certification not only enhances the skills of individual officers but also represents a broader investment in community trust and safety. The San Marcos Police Department is poised to lead by example in the ongoing effort to address mental health challenges within society.
