Spencer City Council Discuss Future Of Police Department

Rusty Surette, News 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Spencer's city council will discuss the future of the city's police department Thursday evening.

City Manager Nicole Mukes said a special meeting will be help at 7 p.m. at city hall to discuss staffing issues inside the police department, but the meetings will be held in executive session, meaning the public will not be able to see or hear what is said.

Following the executive session, Mukes said those who signed up to speak about the police department issue will be allowed to address the council, but the council was not able to respond to public comments.

Earlier this month a regularly scheduled city council meeting became a scene of chaos after citizens were told they couldn't comment about the police department staffing issue. Dozens showed up at the meeting to voice their concerns following a News 9 report that highlighted safety concerns from citizens and police officers who say the city manager is refusing to authorize overtime for officers due to budget concerns.

One of Spencer's officers walked off the job last week because of the overtime issue. There are now six officers on the force, including the police chief who is currently recovering from a medical issue.

According to the Oklahoma Municipal League, the city has every right to silence citizens during a city council meeting.

More:

• Spencer Budget Woes Could Be Affecting Public Safety
• Spencer Residents Voice Outrage Over Police Department's Shortfall