(TheProudRepublic.com) – A shocking display of government dysfunction has left a small town vulnerable to crime and chaos, as an entire police force has quit en masse.
This sudden departure, along with the resignation of two city council members, has exposed deep-rooted issues within the local government and raised serious concerns about public safety and leadership integrity.
Led by Chief Alicia Ford, the Geary, Oklahoma, four-member police team submitted their resignations without providing specific reasons, fueling speculation about potential misconduct or corruption within the town’s leadership.
Public Information Officer Terryl Allen attempted to reassure the community, stating, “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.”
He added, “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.”
However, this hasty appointment of an interim police chief, JJ Stitt, has only raised more questions.
Stitt, who was initially hired as a consultant to audit the police department, now serves as both auditor and interim chief.
Highlighting the gravity of the situation, a concerned Geary resident questioned, “If this isn’t an emergency then what is?”
The mass exodus stems from conflicts with the city council and mayor. City Councilman Rocky Coleman, one of the two council members who resigned, cited misalignment with the city’s direction and personal agendas affecting the city.
Meanwhile, Councilwoman Kristy Miller resigned, believing the mayor was not acting in the city’s best interest.
In addition, former Police Chief Alicia Ford hinted at the root of the problem in her resignation statement, encouraging citizens to become more involved in local government:
“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 have the ability to affect the change you want to see in your community.”
As Geary residents demand answers and accountability, surrounding county sheriff departments have stepped in to provide temporary support.
However, this band-aid solution does little to address the underlying issues plaguing the town’s governance.
It is important to note that Geary’s situation involves local engagement in government affairs and that transparency in public institutions is needed.
It also highlights the growing challenges faced by law enforcement agencies across the country as they struggle with political pressures and community expectations.
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