SAN MARCOS POLICE DEPARTMENT
Understanding that public trust and support are fundamental to effective policing, the San Marcos Police Department is proud to be recognized as an Accredited Law Enforcement Agency by the Texas Police Chiefs Association. This accreditation reinforces the department’s dedication to the highest standards of excellence and to its continuous pursuit of improvement as it works to strengthen its relationship with the community.
The TPCA Accreditation Program evaluates agencies on 173 best practices developed by law enforcement professionals across Texas. These standards cover every major aspect of modern policing, including use of force, citizen rights, vehicle pursuits, property and evidence management, and internal investigations. Accreditation ensures that a department’s policies, procedures, and operations are aligned with the highest professional standards in the state.
“There are 2,788 law enforcement agencies in Texas, but only about 7.8% are accredited by the Texas Police Chiefs Association,” San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge said. “The San Marcos Police Department is thankful to have been added to this number. Accreditation demonstrates to our community members that we value professional policing and welcome continuous improvement. By allowing leaders from outside our department to inspect what we expect, we can better reduce risk, protect civil liberties and ensure we deliver the best service possible.”
Accredited agencies must submit annual reports, maintain compliance with evolving standards, and undergo a full review every four years to retain their status.
“Accreditation is not a one-time achievement but an ongoing promise to the people of San Marcos,” Assistant City Manager Lonzo Anderson said.
SMPD began the accreditation process by conducting a comprehensive internal review of its operations, facilities and policies, culminating in the department’s final on-site review. Independent assessors, which are experienced Texas police administrators, visited the department on April 24 and 25 to evaluate its operations firsthand, interview personnel and confirm compliance with all required standards.
“This award is more than recognition; it stands as powerful evidence of the hard work and dedication that defines our department,” Assistant Police Chief Bob Klett said. “It serves as a clear public affirmation of our ongoing commitment to the highest standards of professional policing in San Marcos.”
For more information about TPCA’s accreditation program visit texaspolicechiefs. org.
