In a single day, Geary, Oklahoma’s entire police force and two city council members resigned, leaving the community in disarray and searching for answers.
At a Glance
- The entire police force and two city council members of Geary, Oklahoma, resigned abruptly.
- Residents suspect possible corruption and demand accountability from local leadership.
- Neighboring counties’ sheriffs’ departments are providing interim law enforcement support.
- Geary has appointed an interim police chief to stabilize the situation.
Mass Resignation Sparks Reaction
The small town of Geary, Oklahoma, has been thrust into the spotlight following the sudden resignation of its entire police force. On the same day, two city council members also resigned, leaving the town in an unprecedented situation without a local law enforcement presence and a fractured leadership team.
Former Police Chief Alicia Ford took to social media to announce the mass resignation, citing difficult working conditions. Residents are left to wonder about the underlying reasons, with some speculating about mishandling of city affairs or disagreements among the city’s leadership.
Immediate Response and Interim Law Enforcement
To mitigate potential security risks, interim measures have been implemented, including appointing JJ Stitt as the new interim police chief. This decision comes as a relief to many residents, who were concerned about maintaining order and safety in their community.
“To the Citizens of Geary. We regret to inform you, and we are sad to say that our entire Police Force resigned this morning at 10:00 am. Considering this information, we were able to quickly secure an interim Chief of Police effective immediately, so the City of Geary is being taken care of without delay” – Terryl Allen
The Blaine County and Canadian County Sheriff’s Offices have stepped in to provide security assistance while the town seeks to stabilize its core municipal operations.
Oklahoma small town police chief and entire police department resign with little explanation https://t.co/DPELpuaaeJ
— KLFY NEWS 10 (@KLFY) November 2, 2024
Community’s Call for Transparency and Change
Geary’s residents are vocal in their calls for transparency, urging local leaders to clarify the circumstances surrounding the resignations. Discussions about misconduct, corruption, and leadership competency are rampant. Without a clear explanation, the community remains on edge, demanding accountability from their elected officials.
“Thank you citizens of Geary for allowing me (Alicia Ford) to serve as your chief for the past year. It is with great sadness that I and the rest of the Geary Police Officers will no longer be serving this community. This choice was very difficult to make, but it was the right decision for me and the other officers. I have watched the officers serve this community selflessly, working hard to protect and provide the best quality of service possible. They have been an amazing team that was always willing to sacrifice for this community” – Alicia Ford
Community members like Tatum Wigington are expressing concern over the recent turn of events and the reliability of their local government. Residents have taken to social media and public forums to discuss and speculate, keeping the demand for an official explanation active as the town navigates this leadership crisis.
Sources
1. Oklahoma small town police chief and entire police department resign with little explanation
2. Town’s entire police force, including chief, resigns on same day
