Collin County officials debate international training trip for sheriff's employees

In a recent meeting of the Collin County Toll Road Authority, a heated discussion unfolded regarding a proposed international training trip for law enforcement personnel. The meeting, held on June 9, 2025, highlighted concerns over taxpayer protection and adherence to county travel policies.

As the conversation began, one official emphasized the importance of safeguarding taxpayer interests, stating, “This is not something that we allow, to go international travel at all for any training in Collin County.” The official expressed apprehension about the implications of sending employees abroad, particularly to a region with potential risks, and questioned who would be responsible should an incident occur during the trip.

The sheriff defended the trip, clarifying that participants would be using personal time off (PTO) for the training, which he described as a valuable opportunity to gain insights that could benefit local law enforcement. “We’re going to Israel to learn these valuable lessons and bring it home,” he asserted, acknowledging that while the training is beneficial, it does not fall under the county’s job-related travel policies.

Tensions escalated as officials debated the potential liabilities associated with the trip. One member raised concerns about the concentration of leadership traveling together, suggesting that such arrangements could leave the county vulnerable. “What a problem that would create for Collin County,” they warned, emphasizing the need for a more cautious approach to leadership travel.

Despite the sheriff’s assurances that no county resources would be used for the trip, the discussion revealed a deep-seated worry about the risks involved. “My job here is to protect the taxpayers,” one official reiterated, highlighting the delicate balance between providing law enforcement with advanced training and ensuring public safety.

As the meeting drew to a close, the officials acknowledged the generous donor who facilitated the training opportunity. While the sheriff expressed gratitude for the support, the court remained cautious, deciding to defer any formal acknowledgment of the trip until further discussions could take place.

The meeting underscored the complexities of public service, where the pursuit of excellence in law enforcement training must be weighed against the responsibilities owed to taxpayers. As Collin County navigates these challenges, the dialogue reflects a commitment to transparency and accountability in governance.