NOWATA, Okla. — More than half of the Nowata Police Department has resigned over the course of one day.

“It took a lot for us to come to this conclusion, weeks of talking to each other trying to figure out what we could do,” said former Captain Jeramiah Frauenberger.

Frauenberger is one of the five men who turned in his badge at the Nowata Police Department. One reserve officer, two full-time officers, former Captain Frauenberger, and former Sgt. Zeth Hedges all resigned together.

“There were directions that the department was going that did not align with me ethically or morally,” said Hedges.

The resignation left the department without 57% of their full time staff.

“I hate that we had to leave like that, but we felt like there was no other option,” said Hedges.

Frauenberger and Hedges said the final decision came after Frauenberger arrested a man for public intoxication a couple weeks back.

“When I went to do paperwork, I was ordered not to do the probable cause affidavit or the report,” said Frauenberger.

Frauenberger claims the Nowata Police Chief ordered him not to file the report.

“As a police officer we take an oath to defend the Constitution and that’s blatant disregard for it,” said Frauenberger.

Those who resigned also claimed the city manager disclosed their identities to the Chief when they reported these concerns, an action which they said led to backlash.

“I believe he was mad about us trying to go around him, even though we had gone to him numerous times with our concerns,” said Frauenberger.

Frauenberger went on to say that he doesn’t want corrupt or bad law enforcement in the community and that the Chief should resign.

The Chief and City Manager both declined to interview or comment on the resignations and claims.

The Nowata Police Department posted a statement saying that the turnover does not affect the safety of Nowata citizens.

On September 6, 2022, the Nowata Police Department had four officers resign effective immediately. This event has been unfortunate but this turnover does not affect the safety that this Department has always provided to its citizens. The Nowata Police Department will continue to serve and protect its community and strive to maintain it’s stellar reputation in light of these events.

As to the specific reasons that these officers chose to resign, the City is not at liberty to discuss employment matters.

Thank you.

The Chief later said they filled all four of the open full-time positions with reserve officers.

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