On November 3, 2023, the entire four-person police department of Geary, Oklahoma, comprising a town of about 1,000 residents located 50 miles northwest of Oklahoma City, unexpectedly resigned, leaving the community in a state of confusion regarding their safety and security. Alongside the police department, two members of the city council also stepped down, but neither group provided any explanations for their abrupt departures. The lack of clarity surrounding these resignations has led to rising concerns among residents about the town’s future and safety. Former Police Chief Alicia Ford expressed the challenges of the decision, suggesting that it was not taken lightly.
The announcement of the police department’s resignation was made via a Facebook post, where Ford articulated the deep sadness felt by the officers, stating that this decision was ultimately the right course of action for them individually. Yet, local residents are deeply troubled by the situation, with some expressing that the town seems to be deteriorating. Sonja Luquette, a longtime resident, articulated a sense of unease, highlighting a persistent culture of conflict in the community. Others echoed similar sentiments, noting that without a functioning police force, the danger to citizens could escalate.
Compounding the turmoil, the Geary City Council is now down to just one remaining member, Sandra Cleveland, after the resignations. The council’s diminished capacity creates further instability in an already struggling local government. To address escalating troubles within the police department prior to the resignations, the city enlisted the help of consultant JJ Stitt, who has substantial experience in law enforcement. Stitt was initially brought in for consulting but was then given the responsibility to lead the department. However, he also stated that he was not fully informed about the underlying issues that led to the departures of the police force and council members.
Despite the uncertainty, city officials attempted to reassure residents about public safety, asserting that the essential needs of the community would still be met following the resignations. The city expressed its gratitude to the former police staff while announcing an interim police chief. The local sheriffs’ offices, from Blaine and Canadian Counties, would provide assistance in maintaining law enforcement presence in Geary. The city’s statement encouraged residents to continue using 911 for emergencies, ensuring that responses will be provided as usual, despite the significant loss within their law enforcement personnel.
Residents of Geary are not alone in raising concerns regarding law enforcement in small towns in Oklahoma. In a related incident, shortly before the Geary police department’s resignation, four out of five deputies at the Grant County Sheriff’s Office, some 115 miles north, also resigned without explanation. This trend has raised alarms about the state of law enforcement in rural areas, as communities grapple with critical shortages of officers at a time when effective policing is essential.
As the town of Geary navigates through this unprecedented situation, the community’s uncertainty reflects broader themes concerning governance, safety, and civic stability in small towns. The multiple resignations highlight the fragility of local institutions and the complex dynamics that can lead to such drastic measures. The townsfolk must now rely on temporary solutions while hoping for a resolution that restores confidence and safety in their community, amidst fears of a deteriorating public safety environment.