Texas State University, ranked No. 56 among party schools in the nation by Niche for 2026 and No. 300 among the best colleges in America, has entered into a formal agreement with the City of San Marcos to increase police presence in the downtown district known as The Square. The move follows violent encounters over the past year that drew attention to safety conditions during peak nightlife hours. In November 2025, San Marcos Police Chief Stan Standridge announced that patrols would increase on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights in response to those incidents.

The newly signed Memorandum of Understanding places funding and structure behind that announcement. Rather than relying solely on scheduling adjustments within the police department, the agreement provides dedicated financial support from Texas State University Police to the San Marcos Police Department. The document outlines how the money will be used, how staffing will be handled, and how the results will be reviewed.

Legal Authority and Purpose

The agreement states it is executed under Texas Government Code and Texas Education Code Section 51.203, which authorize cooperative agreements between campus police and municipal law enforcement agencies.  The stated purpose is to enhance public safety in the Downtown Square area during high-activity periods, particularly Thursday through Saturday nights when crowds are largest.  The document keeps the funding tied specifically to Square-area operations. It does not provide for general citywide patrol use, and it connects the financial support to the officers assigned to the downtown district. That limitation is spelled out in the agreement itself.

$150,000 Allocation and Staffing Conditions

Under the MOU, Texas State University Police will provide up to $150,000 to SMPD through June 30, 2026.  The funding relates to SMPD’s baseline deployment of four officers assigned to the Square and may also support a documented, dedicated downtown team if the assignments are connected to Square operations.  The agreement prohibits the use of funds to replace or offset existing budgeted resources.  That requirement ensures the university’s contribution results in additional staffing or added personnel hours rather than redistributing officers who were already funded. The language makes clear that the funding is meant to increase presence downtown during the busiest nights of the week.

Oversight, Reporting, and Review

The MOU includes financial controls requiring separate accounting of the funds and quarterly financial reporting to Texas State University Police.  Any unspent balance at the end of the term must be returned within the timeframe outlined in the agreement. Operational coordination is also addressed. SMPD is expected to assign sworn personnel to downtown shifts during peak nights, and staffing levels may be adjusted depending on crime trends and operational needs.  The agreement requires ongoing data sharing, monthly activity summaries documenting hours worked and significant incidents, and quarterly meetings between agency leadership to review results.  Either agency may terminate the agreement with 30 days’ written notice. The arrangement runs for a defined term rather than permanently altering city funding. 

What Officials Said in the Joint Release

In a joint release announcing the agreement, Texas State University Police Chief Matthew Carmichael said the university and the city are committed to the safety and well-being of residents and visitors in the downtown Square. He thanked Chief Standridge and the San Marcos Police Department for their continued work and said the partnership is intended to improve the downtown experience for everyone.

Chief Standridge described the agreement as an example of practical collaboration between agencies serving the same community. He said the $150,000 commitment allows officers to be placed where they are most needed in the downtown core and supports a proactive, community-based approach to policing. He added that the goal is to improve safety, support local businesses, and keep downtown welcoming for students, residents, and visitors.

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