With the San Marcos City Council set to take a final vote on a proposed Cite & Release ordinance during Tuesday's meeting, San Marcos Police Officers Association’s (SMPOA) President Jesse Savaadra and Councilmember Maxfield Baker shared their views on the proposed legislation with the Daily Record.
The ordinance, which has been debated for more than 9 months, would guide police officers on when to give citations rather than arrests for low level, non violent misdemeanors such as Class C misdemeanors other than public intoxication, assault, or family violence; possession of marijuana less than 4 ounces; driving without a valid license; criminal mischief causing damage less than $750; graffiti damage less than $750; theft of property less than $750; and theft of services less than $750.
In its most recent reading, the ordinance had the votes of four out of seven council members. The remaining three supported the policy as a resolution, which would make it an expression of support rather than civil law.
