The Texas State University Police Department (UPD) is providing $150,000 to support an increased police presence on The Square.
The funding supports additional officers patrolling for the San Marcos Police Department on Thursdays through Saturdays. SMPD initially promised to increase police presence on The Square after a shooting that led to a death on Nov. 1, 2025.
Texas State Chief of Police Matthew Carmichael said UPD was able to help fund SMPD’s plans to bring back its downtown patrol by using some of UPD’s salary savings from staffing vacancies.
“Looking at some of the recent crimes, some violent crimes that occurred down in The Square, [SMPD was] looking to bring back their downtown patrol, I think they were at a point in their budget cycle where they hadn’t planned for it, but maybe I’m speaking out of turn, that’s just my understanding,” Carmichael said.
Russell Wilde, San Marcos public safety communications specialist, wrote in an email to The Star that traffic is usually highest on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights, when four SMPD officers are dedicated to downtown patrol, with additional patrol officers available city wide.
“The downtown entertainment district draws large crowds, especially on weekends and during special events,” Wilde wrote. “Concentrating officers in high activity areas during peak times allows us to address challenges where and when they are most likely to occur.”
Wilde wrote that SMPD’s response to the Nov. 1 shootings is action-focused, and SMPD is committed to maintaining a safe environment downtown.
Madisyn Angel, anthropology senior, was on The Square during the Nov. 1 shooting and witnessed a victim receive CPR. She hasn’t been back at night since then.
“… Just knowing that it happened right there, and if we had been a minute later going into the smoke shop, we would have potentially been caught in the crossfire, and that would not have been great,” Angel said. “It’s still crazy to think about.
Angel said she was impressed with how fast officers arrived at the scene, and seeing the police presence on The Square gave her a sense of security.
“It makes me feel like they are a deterrent in some ways. If I see a lot of them on there, I might be more inclined to go back, just a psychological thing, I need to work on myself before going back on a Saturday or Friday night,” Angel said.
Wilde wrote while there is a police presence already on The Square, SMPD is in the process of reserving all four corners of The Square for patrol cars to increase visibility and to slow down pedestrian traffic.
Wilde wrote that UPD’s financial contribution helped offset overtime costs tied to activating the downtown unit and reflects a shared commitment to public safety.
According to Wilde, the officers patrolling will focus on community policing and building relationships with businesses, staff, residents and students, while addressing issues early before they escalate.
Patrolling officers focus on proactive strategies to ensure safety, like high visibility foot patrol, coordination with bar and venue staff, partnering with other city departments like code enforcement and fire marshals and direct engagement with the public, according to Wilde.
“The additional officers, who have been working downtown since Nov. 6 [2025], increase visible presence and proactive engagement,” Wilde wrote. “On a busy night, four officers are dedicated specifically to the downtown entertainment district.”
According to Wilde, if activity levels or calls increase, additional officers assigned elsewhere in the city can respond as needed.
Carmichael said Texas State students can utilize Bobcat Safe Rides to get home safely and Code Maroon Rides when students are in an unsafe situation and need police escort and guidance.
“My hope is that having the designated patrol at The Square will make it a safer environment for students. I hope that it addresses the perception of safety that students feel safer because they’re going to see more officers,” Carmichael said.
Wilde said SMPD has not had any formal discussions on changes to downtown staffing outside the partnership with UPD in response to the March 1 shooting on West 6th Street. Wilde said patrols officers are always available to supplement the downtown patrol when needed.
