Item 02: San Marcos Police Update

[COSM_Admin]

Provide a Staff update and hold discussion related to the San Marcos Police Department’s efforts to work with the community to reduce violent crime and on the Department’s efforts to provide services to community members experiencing mental health issues.

 

[JHughson]

Your slide 5. I think those of us who volunteered for many things after the Citizen Police Academy was formed circa 1989 may feel slighted seeing "In 2017, SMPD welcomed its first volunteer"
Those volunteered helped with warrant calling, traffic on Black Friday at the mall, wrote tickets for violations in Handicapped parking spaces, and more. I know it dropped off and became something different now, but many of those who volunteer today are CPAAA grads.

Slide 16. Weddings/Funerals in the same category?

Slide 20, onboarding in 2023. Under sworn staff, there are 2 Police Assistants. What do these folks do?

 

[COSM_Admin]

Responses provided by Chase Stapp, Assistant City Manager:
We started our formal Volunteers in Police Service (VIPS) program in 2017, part of which involved the hiring of a part-time VIPS coordinator. I think Chief’s intent was to document when the first volunteer was signed up under that program so that he could show the growth. Chief indicated that he will be able to address other questions during the presentation.