Collins Says City Is Feeling Effects Of Nationwide Police Shortage

Celina Mayor Luke Collins said he did not instruct police officers to go home while Chief Terry Scott recovers from medical leave.

Collins said the city has been dealing with a nationwide police shortage and as of Tuesday, did not have officers working in the city’s department. He said the County Sheriff’s Office has been aiding the city with law enforcement coverage.

“I have never, ever asked a police officer to hold back on their duties, as a matter of fact, it’s just the opposite,” Collins said. “I’ve asked them to be assertive and aggressive and do their job.”

Collins said he has reached out to legislators to see if they can loosen the physical requirements for an officer to get through the academy. He said by focusing more on the mental requirements, it could help with barriers to entering the police academy.

Clay County Sheriff Brandon Boone told commissioners Monday night his department may need additional resources to cover the entire county.

Collins said he has offered two people jobs as police officers Tuesday. However, Collins said they are moving towards merging the Police Department and the Sheriff’s Office. He said this would be a good opportunity for both the city and the county.

“The great thing is the revenue, we can use it for our hospital,” Collins said. “So instead of the city paying that $400,000 a year for a police department we can use it for a hospital. I’ve been in communication with the county about the county pitching in some money.”

Collins said he also wanted to take the time to thank Chief Terry Scott and his department for all of the work they do for the citizens of Celina.