Geary, Oklahoma Faces Leadership Change After Entire Police Force Resigns

Police uniform with a resignation letter.

Geary, Oklahoma, faces a leadership crisis as the entire police department resigns over unresolved issues of understaffing and poor funding.

At a Glance

The entire Geary, Oklahoma police department resigned.
Two city council members also resigned, leaving governance gaps.
Former Police Chief Alicia Ford encouraged community engagement for change.
Interim Police Chief JJ Stitt appointed to rebuild the force.

Mass Resignation and Its Immediate Impact

The entire four-person police department of Geary, Oklahoma, led by Chief Alicia Ford, resigned due to chronic understaffing and inadequate funding. This decisive move left the town without a police force and prompted two city council members to also resign, exposing a critical leadership vacuum. The resignations have thrust the town into a state of uncertainty, questioning the current municipal governance’s efficacy in handling basic public safety issues.

Former Police Chief Alicia Ford explained the decision was difficult but ultimately necessary after city leaders failed to address the department’s pressing needs. Ford gave city leaders a month’s notice to address these issues, including budget cuts affecting officer pay, which went unchecked. The immediate effect is a policing gap, now partially filled by Blaine County and Canadian County sheriffs’ offices stepping in to support Geary’s safety needs.

Internal Conflicts Within Geary’s Leadership

City Council member Glen “Rocky” Coleman Jr. resigned citing poor communication and a mismatch in values as the driving factors behind his decision. Coleman noted a severe lack of transparency in the administration, which escalated internal conflicts. The resignations expose significant fractures in city governance, raising questions about how personal agendas may have interfered with effectively managing the city’s needs. “Council members are just about the last to know something,” said Coleman.

Geary, Oklahoma Police Chief Alicia Ford posted a statement on Facebook saying the decision to resign was "difficult." https://t.co/HNbOhWffEQ

— FOX 29 (@FOX29philly) November 2, 2024

Steps Toward a New Leadership

The city has appointed JJ Stitt, a 27-year law enforcement veteran, as interim chief, marking a critical step in rebuilding the police force. Stitt aims to recruit additional officers and re-establish functional law enforcement in Geary. “I’ve been in the game a long time,” said Stitt, instilling some optimism in the community about reinstating stability. Despite these efforts, concerns over municipal governance remain, indicating a need for broader administrative reforms.

Former Chief Alicia Ford encouraged residents to engage with the city council and attend meetings, believing collective voices can effect meaningful change. Ford has accepted a new role as an investigator with the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office. As Geary adapts to these changes, the spotlight shines on its leadership, urging transparency and responsiveness to prevent future upheavals.