A small Oklahoma town faces an unprecedented public safety challenge as its entire police force steps down from their positions.
According to Fox News, the Geary Police Department in Oklahoma, including Chief Alicia Ford and all officers, submitted their resignations on October 31, leading to subsequent resignations of two city council members and the mayor.
The mass departure stemmed from ongoing disputes between law enforcement leadership and city officials regarding staffing levels, budget allocations, and essential resources. Chief Ford had repeatedly sought assistance from Mayor Waylan Upchego and the city council to address these critical issues, but her requests were met with inaction.
Mounting Pressure On Limited Police Resources
The department's struggles intensified following recent budget cuts that affected various operational aspects, including jail facilities and dispatch services. With only four officers remaining from an original six-person force, the burden on the remaining staff became increasingly unsustainable. The situation forced two officers to work extended shifts, often covering 24-hour periods for five to seven days per week.
Chief Ford, who assumed her role in October 2023, expressed her concerns about the working conditions. She highlighted how the department managed to maintain services despite severe limitations, praising her officers' dedication despite the challenging circumstances.
Former Chief Ford shared her perspective on the situation:
The reason that prompted the entire resignation was: it was just a continued failure from the mayor to make change that would affect the department and make it more effective for the community. It was just an ongoing issue. He consistently refused to keep his word to us, and that was something that we held him to. When you're a mayor, you're [supposed] to lead the city and what's best for the city and the departments within.
City Council Member Reveals Internal Struggles
The police department's resignation triggered a cascade of departures among city leadership. City Council member Rocky Coleman's resignation letter provided insight into the underlying issues plaguing the local government. His statement revealed significant communication gaps and concerns about transparency within the administration.
Coleman expressed his frustration with the council's operation in his resignation letter:
I have tried to be a voice of reason. Unfortunately, I was just one voice. The City Council and administration should not allow personal goals or agendas to affect the city. Decisions should be made only to benefit the city.
Transition Period and Community Impact
Despite the mass exodus of law enforcement personnel, emergency services continue to function in Geary. An interim police chief has been appointed to maintain basic law enforcement operations, ensuring that residents can still access emergency services through 911 calls.
The situation has drawn attention to the broader challenges facing small-town police departments across the country. While staffing shortages and budget constraints are common issues, Geary's case represents an extreme example of how these problems can escalate to crisis levels.
Moving Forward After Mass Resignations
Former Chief Ford has since secured a position as an investigator with the Blaine County Sheriff's Office, the same agency that stepped in to assist with dispatch services after Geary's budget cuts. The transition demonstrates the interconnected nature of law enforcement agencies in supporting neighboring communities during times of crisis.
The town now faces the challenge of rebuilding its leadership structure and addressing the systemic issues that led to this unprecedented situation. The community's ability to maintain public safety services while reconstructing its police force will be crucial in the coming months.
Unraveling The Oklahoma Law Enforcement Crisis
The Geary Police Department's complete resignation on October 31 marked a significant moment in Oklahoma's law enforcement history, triggered by ongoing disputes over resources, staffing, and budget allocations. The departure of Chief Alicia Ford and her entire force led to a domino effect of resignations among city officials, including Mayor Waylan Upchego and two city council members.
The town has implemented temporary measures to maintain public safety, with an interim police chief now overseeing operations while emergency services remain accessible to residents through 911 calls. The future of Geary's law enforcement structure depends on addressing the fundamental issues that led to this mass exodus and rebuilding a sustainable police department that can effectively serve the community.
