Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond has taken the unusual step of deploying state agents to maintain law enforcement in Okemah after the abrupt departure of five city police officers, including the police chief.

The action follows a formal request from the City of Okemah for assistance in maintaining public safety after a series of personnel decisions left the department severely understaffed. Drummond authorized agents from his office to serve as the city’s temporary police force until staffing levels can be restored.

Drummond said the decision was necessary to ensure the safety of the community. “I am not afraid to make such a move if it means law and order is maintained in Okemah,” he stated. “When local communities face challenges that threaten public safety, it is our responsibility to ensure that law-abiding citizens remain protected. My office will maintain a strong law enforcement presence in Okemah for as long as necessary, but my agents are approaching their work with professionalism and compassion.”

According to reports, the situation unfolded after an incident on Aug. 8 involving a trespassing call. Okemah Police Officer Trey Jordan responded to the report and encountered the city’s own code enforcer, who is also related to the city manager. Days later, Jordan was placed on administrative leave, sparking a chain reaction of personnel changes.

When Police Chief Patrick Williams returned from vacation, he intended to reinstate Jordan. Instead, following a closed-door meeting with city leadership, multiple terminations occurred. Williams, Jordan and Jordan’s wife, Serena, who was also an officer, were dismissed. Two additional officers resigned in protest.

The departures left the city with virtually no functioning police department. With local resources depleted, the Attorney General’s Office initiated what it called an “unprecedented move” to ensure law enforcement services remain uninterrupted.

While city officials have not provided public details on the reasons for the terminations, the move has already drawn significant attention because it represents one of the rare occasions in Oklahoma history where state agents have been tasked with directly supplementing a municipal police force.

The Attorney General’s Office indicated that state agents will continue operating in Okemah until new officers are hired and the city is able to resume full control of its own police department. Meanwhile, the former officers who were dismissed have stated they intend to pursue legal action against the city.