Real Frisco

Collin County District Attorney Wants to Buy New Arms

In the wake of the Las Vegas Courthouse shooting, District Attorney John Roach, raises the idea of fitting his Emergency Response Team with new gear to help assist in an emergency. Mr. Roach has proposed that the county invest $25,000 from a drug forfeiture fund to purchase guns, helmets, shields, and other such equipment that would be of use in an emergency situation.

The team, which Roach formed in 2003, is made up of investigators that are all certified and licensed to carry an armed weapon. County Commissioners strongly disagree with Roach’s idea because they say another armed team is simply not necessary.

In the case of an emergency, Collin County has county bailiffs, sheriff’s deputies, Homeland Security officers, and McKinney Police all packing heat and all highly qualified and capable of responding in a timely manner.

The cash for the new weapons and gear does belong to the District Attorney’s office, and Roach may use it however sees it necessary. The county commissioners that are taking issue with Roach’s idea, question the legality and necessity of forming a new team. They simply do not want another team inside the courthouse bearing arms.

Roach’s point is that we are all on the same side. What harm would another team armed and trained in case of an emergency cause?  The team would be inside the building already, thus able to act much quicker than the other teams. Then once the suspect was apprehended, Roach’s team would step back and let the police force step in.

Still, the county commissioner does not want Roach spending the funds to further arm his team. But Roach is the chief law enforcer in the county – thus it is his call.