A small Oklahoma town is in crisis as its entire police force resigns, leaving residents concerned about public safety and local governance.
Mass Resignations Leave Geary in Turmoil
The small town of Geary, Oklahoma, population approximately 1,200, has found itself thrust into the national spotlight following a series of resignations that have left its local government and law enforcement in disarray. On October 31, 2023, the entire four-person police department, led by Chief Alicia Ford, turned in their badges, citing persistent understaffing and financial neglect as primary factors in their decision.
Oklahoma small town police chief and entire police department resign with little explanation https://t.co/ZF8NE4JCeH
— KX News (@KXMB) November 2, 2024
The crisis deepened as two city council members followed suit, leaving the council with only one active member due to a previous vacancy. This sudden leadership vacuum has exposed underlying issues within the city’s management and raised serious questions about the town’s ability to provide essential services to its residents.
The police chief and three officers that make up the entire four-person police department of the town of Geary, Oklahoma, have resigned with little explanation. https://t.co/Jrn2rdkzsT
— WBKO News (@wbkotv) November 3, 2024
Reasons Behind the Exodus
Former Police Chief Alicia Ford, who had led the department since October 2023, described the decision to resign as difficult but necessary. While initially reticent about the specific reasons, subsequent reports have shed light on the challenges faced by the department.
“It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary police officers will no longer be serving this community, but it was the right decision for me and the other officers.” – Former Police Chief Alicia Ford
The department had been grappling with severe staffing shortages, forcing the four officers to work extended shifts for low pay. Budget cuts had further exacerbated the situation, affecting officer compensation and bonuses. Despite giving city leaders a month’s notice to address these concerns, Ford reported that no action was taken, ultimately leading to the mass resignation.
City Council Turmoil
The police department’s departure was quickly followed by the resignation of two city council members, including Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr. In his resignation letter, Coleman cited a mismatch in values and poor communication with the administration as key factors in his decision.
“Council members are just about the last to know something. There are often that I would not know something (is planned) until the meeting started.” – Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr.
This sentiment echoes broader concerns about transparency and effective governance within Geary’s municipal structure. The sudden departure of these key figures has left the town scrambling to maintain basic services and restore public confidence.
Interim Measures and Path Forward
In the wake of the resignations, Geary has implemented temporary measures to ensure public safety. The Blaine County and Canadian County sheriff’s offices have stepped in to help patrol the town. Additionally, an interim police chief, JJ Stitt, a 27-year law enforcement veteran, has been appointed to oversee the department and recruit new officers.
“I’ve been in the game a long time.” – JJ Stitt
Despite these stopgap measures, the town faces significant challenges in rebuilding its police force and restoring stability to its local government. The incident has attracted national attention, highlighting the struggles faced by small towns in maintaining essential services and effective governance.
Call for Community Engagement
In the aftermath of her resignation, former Chief Ford encouraged Geary residents to become more involved in local governance. She emphasized the importance of attending city council meetings and engaging with elected officials to effect positive change in the community.
“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 can affect the change you want to see in your community.” – Alicia Ford
As Geary works to rebuild its leadership and law enforcement capabilities, the events serve as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by small towns across America. The crisis underscores the need for improved communication, transparent governance, and adequate funding for essential services to maintain the stability and safety of rural communities.
Sources:
https://apnews.com/article/police-department-resigns-oklahoma-7a13f319f49ffb529f1a231c782ee527
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/03/us/police-department-resigns-oklahoma.html
