7 Shocking Facts And Vital Updates About The Texas State University Police Department (UPD) In 2025
The Texas State University Police Department (UPD) is the primary law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting the vast Texas State community, encompassing the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses. As of late 2025, the department is undergoing a significant transformation, moving beyond traditional policing models to embrace a holistic approach focused on mental health, de-escalation, and community engagement, making it one of the most progressive university police forces in the state. This article details the most recent and vital updates, policies, and personnel changes that every student, faculty member, and parent should know about the UPD's operations.
The commitment to "Protecting & Serving Bobcats" has been reinforced by a series of new initiatives, including the expansion of their highly successful Therapy K9 Program and a continued focus on advanced officer training. These changes, driven by the department's Five-Year Strategic Plan, aim to enhance campus safety, transparency, and the overall well-being of the Texas State University community in an ever-evolving public safety landscape.
The Leader of the Force: Chief Matthew Carmichael Biography
The Texas State University Police Department is currently led by Director and Chief of Police Matthew Carmichael, a highly experienced law enforcement professional whose career spans four decades. Chief Carmichael was selected following a nationwide search and assumed his role in January 2022.
- Name: Matthew Carmichael
- Current Position: Director and Chief of Police, Texas State University Police Department (UPD)
- Appointment Date: January 2022
- Total Law Enforcement Experience: 40 years
- Career Start: 1985, in the San Francisco Bay Area
- University Policing Experience: 19 years of direct experience leading police departments within large, diverse universities.
- Philosophy: Focuses on community-oriented policing, transparency, and integrating mental health support into public safety operations.
7 Crucial UPD Updates and Facts Every Bobcat Needs to Know in 2025
The Texas State UPD is continually updating its practices and resources to better serve the campus community. The following are the most current and significant facts and developments in late 2025, reflecting a major shift toward mental wellness and specialized crisis response.
1. Expansion of the Therapy K9 Program (August 2025)
In a major development for student wellness, the UPD is significantly expanding its Therapy K9 Program, effective August 5, 2025. This initiative will establish two full-time Therapy K9 teams dedicated to providing daily support and crisis response across the Texas State campuses.
- Current K9: The department already features Pawfficer Brady, the university's first therapy K9, who works to ease stress and provide comfort.
- Goal: The expansion aims to bolster mental health and wellness support, offering a calming presence during stressful times like final exams, or in the immediate aftermath of critical incidents.
- Function: These K9 teams will be available for scheduled visits and immediate deployment for crisis intervention.
2. The Department's Commitment to Mental Health Training
The Texas State UPD has made specialized training a cornerstone of its operations, particularly in handling mental health crises. As of a December 2024 update, all UPD officers have received extensive training in key areas.
- Crisis Intervention Training (CIT): All UPD officers are trained in CIT to effectively and safely interact with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
- De-escalation Techniques: Mandatory training in de-escalation ensures officers prioritize verbal communication and non-forceful resolution in conflict situations.
- Mental Health Officer Certification: All sworn officers on the force have achieved Mental Health Officer Certification, placing the department above many state and national averages for specialized training.
3. High-Profile Off-Campus Incident (November 2025)
The proximity of the campus to San Marcos city limits means the UPD often works closely with the San Marcos Police Department (SMPD). In a significant and tragic event in November 2025, multiple overnight shootings occurred near the Texas State University campus. The incident resulted in one fatality and three injuries, underscoring the importance of situational awareness even in areas adjacent to the university.
4. Annual Security and Fire Safety Report (Clery Act Compliance)
In compliance with the federal Clery Act, the UPD publishes a combined Annual Security & Fire Safety Report for the San Marcos, Round Rock, and ALERRT Center Campuses. The 2024 report (reflecting 2023 data) saw notable revisions:
- Hate Crimes: The count for 2023 was revised from seven to four.
- Burglaries: On-campus burglaries for 2023 were revised downward from 25 to 19.
- Policy Inclusion: The report provides details on crucial policies, including the university's Sexual Misconduct Policy.
5. Collaboration on Research with Austin Police Department
Texas State University actively contributes to law enforcement research, partnering with other major agencies. In 2025, the university, in collaboration with the Austin Police Department (APD), completed a study examining cases, with 54 reviewed in detail. This collaboration highlights the UPD’s role in not just enforcing the law, but also in advancing the understanding of modern policing and public safety strategies.
6. The Campus Safety Committee
The UPD operates with a strong emphasis on community input through the Campus Safety Committee. This committee is a vital link between the Texas State UPD and the broader campus community, providing recommendations on policies, procedures, and safety initiatives. This body ensures that the department's actions are transparent and reflective of the community's needs and concerns.
7. Above-Average Representation of Women Officers
The Texas State UPD is committed to diversity and inclusion within its ranks. The department proudly states that its representation of women officers is above both the national average and the state of Texas average for university police forces. This commitment to a diverse force is integral to its community-oriented policing model, ensuring a broader range of perspectives in daily operations and community interactions.
Understanding UPD's Role and Services
The University Police Department is a fully certified and sworn law enforcement agency, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their jurisdiction covers all university property, and their officers possess the same authority as municipal police officers in the state of Texas.
Core Services Provided by Texas State UPD
- Patrol and Response: Providing continuous patrol of all Texas State properties, including the San Marcos and Round Rock campuses.
- Emergency Response: Immediate response to all criminal, medical, and fire emergencies on university grounds.
- Security Escort Services: Offering safety escorts for students and faculty during late hours to ensure safe travel across campus.
- UPD Records Department: Maintaining and processing all official police reports, including arrests, accidents, and incident reports, in compliance with state and federal laws.
- Crime Prevention: Conducting safety presentations, property registration, and security assessments for departments and residence halls.
For the Texas State University community, the UPD is more than just a police force; it is a critical partner in creating a secure, healthy, and enriched educational environment. By focusing on mental health support, advanced officer training, and community-driven policies, the UPD is positioning itself as a leader in modern university public safety.
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