Police Department Quits, Creating Crisis For One Oklahoma Community

Police uniform with a resignation letter.

The entire police department of Geary, Oklahoma, resigned en masse, leaving the small town in a state of shock and uncertainty.

At a Glance

Geary’s entire four-person police department, including the chief, resigned on October 31, 2023
Two city council members also resigned, citing poor communication and lack of transparency
The resignations were prompted by unmet needs, budget cuts, and administrative challenges
Interim measures are in place to maintain law enforcement services in the town
The incident has sparked discussions about municipal governance and resource allocation

Mass Resignation Rocks Small Oklahoma Town

In a stunning turn of events, the entire police department of Geary, Oklahoma, including Police Chief Alicia Ford, tendered their resignations on October 31, 2023. The sudden departure of all four officers sent shockwaves through the community and left local officials scrambling to maintain law enforcement services. Adding to the turmoil, two city council members also stepped down, citing frustrations with the town’s administration.

The mass exodus has drawn national attention to the small town of approximately 1,200 residents, located about 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. As news of the resignations spread, questions arose about the underlying causes and the potential impact on public safety.

Reasons Behind the Resignations

While initial statements were vague, former Police Chief Alicia Ford later revealed that the decision to resign was prompted by ongoing issues within the department and a lack of support from city leadership. Ford cited chronic understaffing, insufficient funding, and strained resources as major factors contributing to the department’s decision.

The police department had been struggling with a heavy workload, with only four officers responsible for covering all shifts. This led to long hours and low pay, creating an unsustainable situation for the officers. Despite giving city leaders a month’s notice to address these concerns, no action was taken, ultimately leading to the collective decision to resign.

City Council Turmoil

The police department’s resignation was not the only shakeup in Geary’s leadership. Two city council members also stepped down, leaving the council with only one remaining member due to a previous vacancy. Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr., one of the resigning council members, pointed to a breakdown in communication and transparency within the city government as the reason for his departure.

Coleman wrote that “Council members are just about the last to know something. There are often times that I would not know something (is planned) until the meeting started.”

The simultaneous resignations of both the police department and council members have exposed deep-seated issues within Geary’s municipal governance. The lack of transparency and communication between different branches of the local government appears to have created an environment where effective leadership and problem-solving became increasingly difficult.

Interim Measures and Future Plans

In the wake of the resignations, Geary has taken steps to ensure continued law enforcement coverage for its residents. The city has appointed JJ Stitt, a 27-year law enforcement veteran, as interim police chief. Stitt has pledged to recruit additional officers to rebuild the department.

In the meantime, the Blaine County and Canadian County sheriffs’ offices have stepped in to help patrol the town, ensuring that emergency services remain available to Geary’s residents. The city has assured its citizens that 911 calls are still operational and that law enforcement services will continue despite the current upheaval.

A Call for Community Engagement

As Geary works to rebuild its police force and stabilize its city government, former Police Chief Ford has encouraged residents to become more involved in local affairs. She emphasized the importance of attending city council meetings and making their voices heard to effect positive change in the community.

Ford wrote, “I would encourage every one of the members of this great community to take the time to get to know your council members and to be as involved as possible in the city, especially attending the City Council meetings. Your voices are stronger when you stand together as one, and you all have the ability to affect the change you want to see in your community.”

The events in Geary serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small-town police departments and local governments across America. As the community begins the process of rebuilding its leadership and law enforcement capabilities, the spotlight on Geary may prompt other municipalities to reassess their own governance structures and resource allocation to prevent similar crises in the future.