The Collin County Observer

News, Analysis & Opinion for Collin County

Courthouse commandos receive order: "Return to Barracks"

02/02/10

Permalink 05:39:42 pm, by bill Email , 260 words,   English (US)
Categories: Observer Opinions, Law, Crime & Punishment, Homeland Security

Courthouse commandos receive order: "Return to Barracks"

In the latest development over the equipping of District Attorney investigators as a "Rapid Response Team" complete with automatic weapons, the DA has notified the courts that until they "revise" their Mission, these "courthouse commandos" will not deploy.

In her memo addressed to the Courthouse Security Committee, DA Chief Investigator Novaline Varner wrote:

"The Collin County District Attorney's Office is in the process of revising our Mission concerning First Responders. Effective immediately the Collin County District Attorney's Office will not deploy a First Responders Team from our Office for any courthouse emergency or security matter. We will advise you when our mission study and any revisions have been completed.

"We will continue to support the Collin County Courthouse Security Committee and of course abide by Art. 2.13 Code of Criminal Procedure, Duties and Powers of a Peace Officer."

The lack of a clearly defined mission and agreements between the DA Team and Bailiffs and other Law enforcement agencies was highlighted by the Commissioners Court in their discussion of the purchase of SWAT Team equipment last month. When asked by commissioners about the apparent lack of procedures, Varner responded ",We are working on an SOP, so everybody will know what they're doing. but all of that takes time. While we're wasting time getting through the red tape, we're still training. I don't want us to come across that we're some kind of "Three Stooges" type [operation]."

It is not known if the District Attorney will proceed with the purchase of $25,306.46 in SWAT Team guns and equipment utilizing his Drug Forfeiture Fund.

Bill

PermalinkPermalink 10 comments

Comments, Pingbacks:

Comment from: anon [Visitor] Email
Bill - Congratulations on bringing this story to light. 100% the awareness started here. I hope that this means they didn't spend the money, and more responsible DA (Greg, Jeff, Jimmy, or Ralph) can use the money for something worthwhile.
PermalinkPermalink 02/02/10 @ 18:30
Comment from: ccobserver21 [Visitor] Email
why can't the DA be satisfied with prosecuting crimes and delivering justice? Where does he even get idea that he has any role as a first responder? This is INSANE.
PermalinkPermalink 02/02/10 @ 18:43
Comment from: anon [Visitor] Email
But we don't want to look like a "Three Stooges" operation.
PermalinkPermalink 02/02/10 @ 22:26
Comment from: Eric Barna [Visitor] Email
Imagine that.
PermalinkPermalink 02/02/10 @ 22:59
Comment from: Collin County Citizen [Visitor] Email
Gosh... I really wanted to see Novaline in a SWAT helmet lugging around a shield and assault rifle - of course goggles and knee pads are a must, too. I was planning my 2010 Christmas picture around it!

DANG BILL!! WHY DID YOU HAVE TO EXPOSE THIS?!
PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 00:00
Comment from: Janie [Visitor] Email
I know Jimmy Angelino is disappointed. He's all for spending that money on a SWAT team for the DA.
Thank goodness they've decided to conduct a mission study!

PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 09:40
Comment from: JT [Visitor] Email
They don't want to come across as a 3 stooges type of operation?

Uh, it's too late for that, Nov.
PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 11:22
Comment from: Collin County lawyer [Visitor]
Janie - I see you are once again posting the false accusation (without any proof) that Angelino supports DA Roach's request to use forfeiture funds for a first responder team. Mr. Angelino has never said he supported, and he in fact opposes, a DA first responder team. Having been told you are mistaken, it is now obvious you are making this false accusation in bad faith. It is unfortunate that you find it necessary to make false claims against the only candidate with management experience in a DA's office, just to support your candidate. Your false accusations represent the worst of politics as usual. It is because of military veterans like Angelino that you have the freedom of speech which you abuse against him.
PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 17:43
Comment from: bill [Member] Email


I've spoken with Mr. Angelino about this issue a couple of times.

He has told me on more than one occasion that he does not support the use of DA investigators as a "First Responder Team."

I believe him.

Bill
PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 18:09
Comment from: Janie [Visitor] Email
Collin County Lawyer....
Mr. Angelino must be trying to have it both ways depending on whom he is talking with.
And don't lecture me about military veterans. I have plenty in my family and one member on active duty in Iraq now. I know about sacrifice!
PermalinkPermalink 02/03/10 @ 22:32

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The Collin County Observer

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