Don Collins/Screenshot via Inspire Amarillo YouTube
Amarillo mayoral candidate Don Collins has raised an innovative idea in the battle against crime in the city — and this is one that’s up in the air.
During the ABC 7 mayoral debate on Wednesday night, Collins, a former Elkhart City Councilman and retired pharmacy manager, stated that he would like to see the Amarillo Police Department employ drones in the battle against crime in Amarillo.
“I talked to the chief of police and one of the main problems on the shootings and stuff is drugs,” Collins said during the debate. “You know, we need to find a way to find the drugs coming into the city. Also, he talked about, I think, we need to get more advanced technology. I believe in drones. They have some drones [and] drones can get there before an officer can get there. And I know the City has given them $2 million, or something. And that is good and they’ve got a special department they’re gonna open up, but I believe they need a drone department.”
Collins’ statements on current drone use by the Amarillo Police Department reflect an announcement earlier this year that APD would be using drones as a part of the new Regional Crime Center project. However, Collins is the first mayoral candidate to call for the creation of a formal drone department for APD.
Also on the issue of crime, Collins stated his belief that crime in Amarillo is not confined solely to North Amarillo, saying that the issue impacts all of the city.
“We have people [in South Amarillo] that are afraid to get out at night,” Collins said.
Collins is facing five opponents in the race for mayor this year: City Councilman Cole Stanley, City Councilwoman Freda Powell, truck driver Sam Burnett, life coach/educator Jeff McGunegle, and influencer/truck driver Tonya Winston.
Election Day is May 6. Early voting begins on Monday, April 24.