The Texas State University Police Department (UPD) is significantly expanding its therapy K9 program to bolster mental health and wellness support for the university community.
This initiative establishes two full-time therapy K9 teams that will provide daily support and crisis response, marking a major step forward in the department's commitment to Compassion-Based Policing.
Officers David Velasco-Martinez and Monique Grijalva will lead these new teams. They will both undergo certification as Mental Health Officers (MHOs) in the State of Texas, ensuring they can provide effective, trauma-informed and empathetic support to students in crisis. The department will partner with the nationally recognized Paws & Stripes College at the Brevard County Sheriff’s Office in Florida to train its next generation of therapy dogs, ensuring the highest standards of professionalism and temperament.
“This new chapter represents a significant step forward,” said Chief Matthew Carmichael.
We’re not just growing a program, we’re building a lasting legacy of compassion-driven policing that places the emotional and mental well-being of our students at the center of what we do.”
Beyond the K9 program, UPD is also hiring its first full-time Victim Advocate. This new role will provide dedicated support to survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence and other traumatic incidents. The advocate will work alongside the therapy K9 teams to offer comprehensive, integrated and trauma-informed care and proactive engagement throughout the university.
These new initiatives are a direct reflection of UPD’s Compassion-Based Policing philosophy, which prioritizes emotional intelligence, mental health awareness and community connection. The department is shifting from reactive support to a structured, sustainable model designed to proactively meet the mental health needs of the Texas State community.
“In a time when policing is being reimagined, our department is choosing to lead with love, care and compassion,” Carmichael said. “By expanding our therapy K9 program, training MHOs and embedding a full-time advocate into our operations, we are creating a public safety model that reflects the values of our university and the needs of our students.”
The expanded K9 teams are expected to launch their operations this academic year. The department will share more updates soon, including opportunities for the community to meet the new officers and their four-legged partners.