San Angelo police emphasize training, fitness and anonymous mental‑health support

Assistant Chief Craig Thomasson said the San Angelo Police Department is increasing hands‑on defensive tactics training and pursuing options to support officers’ mental health through confidential resources.

Thomasson described expanding jiu‑jitsu and control‑tactics practice in the academy and for current officers, saying physical control skills are perishable and regular training reduces the need for force. "If you know what you're doing, you can do a whole lot," Thomasson said, arguing trained techniques are often less violent in appearance than strikes or other force options.

The hosts also described an anonymous counseling option for officers, in which a local professional provides confidential support and can be contacted privately by phone. Thomasson said anonymity helps reduce stigma and makes officers more likely to seek help: "the anonymity is what's nice because of course there's stigma there," he said.

Griffith and Thomasson said the department is exploring fitness incentives and stipends to encourage ongoing training and wellbeing, but noted such programs must navigate municipal approval processes and budget rules.

No specific new benefit or stipend was adopted on the podcast; both leaders framed these efforts as part of an ongoing effort to give officers tools—training, mental‑health support and leadership—to handle critical incidents and recover from traumatic exposures.