LETTER TO THE EDITOR
As a 50-year resident of San Marcos with a long career in the local media, I thought I knew a good bit about the San Marcos Police Department.
As it turns out, however, I now realize a great deal of my knowledge and understanding was superficial at best. And even as a soon-to-be graduate of the San Marcos Citizen’s Police Academy, I will be the first to admit I am still no expert.
But I have been so impressed with the class, the procedures, the attitudes and, most of all, the individual sworn officers, staff and volunteers of the SMPD that I feel it would be a disservice to them for me not to speak out about my experience.
And I do so not to try and convince others to blindly back the blue here, but as an invitation to sign up for this class when the opportunity arises again this fall and experience for themselves the impressive educational, immersive, detailed and even compassionate program presented.
This class is not a plea from the SMPD to agree with their policies or actions but simply a way to provide deep insight into the workings of the department itself as well as our individual neighbors who wear the badge as they work to protect and serve this community. Comments and questions are always welcome during class sessions and the breaks offer the opportunity to converse with officers and staff on a one-to-one basis.
As with all life experiences, I feel a better understanding of how and why things happen – especially in terms of law enforcement – can make us better citizens ... and perhaps even better individuals.
So whatever your feelings about law enforcement in general or our police force specifically, I urge you to sign up for this academy when you get a chance. I promise you will be glad you did.
Thank you, Rowe Ray San Marcos
