Introduction
In a recent exclusive interview, former Dalton Police Chief Robert Collins revealed allegations against Dalton Mayor Tiffany Henyard concerning her use of a police security detail. According to Collins, Henyard’s security measures have strained the already under-resourced police department, impacting its ability to address crime in the town effectively.
Background of the Allegations
Collins, who was fired by Mayor Henyard late last year, spoke out from his new home in Florida. He described how the manpower of the Dalton Police Department was critically stressed due to the demands placed on them by the mayor’s security detail. This detail, initially deemed necessary following a police-involved shooting in 2021, has since expanded and continued despite the cessation of protests that initially warranted it.
Impact on Police Resources
The former police chief detailed how officers were frequently assigned to escort Mayor Henyard, sometimes around the clock, and often to her secondary taxpayer-funded job as Thornton Township Supervisor. An investigation by Fox 32 revealed that this security detail was pulling officers off the streets and costing taxpayers thousands of dollars in overtime. Collins highlighted that Dalton, a town with just over 20,000 residents and economic struggles, typically has only a few officers on duty per shift. The allocation of police resources to Henyard’s detail left the community vulnerable to crime, as evidenced by a recent mass shooting on Sibley Boulevard that injured four people.
Misuse of Police Detail
Collins accused Henyard of using the officers as personal valets, assigning them to run errands and accompany her on out-of-town trips. He questioned the necessity of a security detail when Henyard was not in Dalton, implying that such measures were excessive and unjustified. Collins expressed his frustration over the situation, believing that the visible police presence on the streets could deter criminal activity. He argued that the lack of available officers emboldened criminals, contributing to the town’s challenges with gangs, guns, and drugs.
Administrative Response
Attempts to address the issue with village administration were reportedly met with resistance. When Collins tried to discuss the strain on resources caused by Henyard’s security detail with Village Administrator Keith Freeman, he was told that these were orders that had to be followed. The Fox 32 investigation also revealed that attempts to question Henyard directly about her use of the police detail were blocked by Freeman.
Legal Actions and Consequences
Last week, Collins filed a civil lawsuit against the Village of Dalton for wrongful termination, alleging that he was fired without cause and without board approval. He claimed his termination was politically motivated, linked to his wife’s friendship with some of the mayor’s perceived political adversaries. Collins’s attorney emphasized that his dismissal was illegal and that Collins had done nothing wrong. They described him as a dedicated policeman who prioritized his duties but was hindered by the misuse of police resources.
Ongoing Investigation and Community Impact
The controversy over Mayor Henyard’s use of the police detail continues to unfold. Fox 32 sent a list of questions to the Dalton Mayor’s Office seeking a response to Collins’s accusations but had not received a reply at the time of reporting. The community remains divided, with some residents and officers frustrated by the perceived misuse of resources and others possibly unaware of the full impact.
Conclusion
The allegations brought forward by former Police Chief Robert Collins shed light on the critical issue of resource allocation within the Dalton Police Department. As the legal battle progresses and more information potentially comes to light, the residents of Dalton await answers and solutions to ensure their safety and the effective functioning of their police force.
