On Monday, Watonga City Manager Karrie Beth Little issued the following statement: “The City of Watonga is aware of the recent complaint filed concerning our department's conduct from the Blaine County Sheriff.
(The) Watonga Chief of Police requested the investigative matter on July 09, 2024, to the Oklahoma Bureau of Investigation, OSBI, as an impartial investigative unit. This independent investigation will allow for a fair and objective assessment of the situation.
As part of our commitment to integrity, we take any allegations seriously and are committed to transparency and accountability in our operations.
Until the investigation is complete, and while following state law related to personnel matters, we will refrain from providing additional comments to preserve the integrity of the process. We appreciate your understanding in this matter and encourage anyone with further questions or concerns to contact us after the investigation concludes.
The City of Watonga and Watonga Police Department remains dedicated to serving our community with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.”
Sheriff Travis Daugherty said he had not filed a complaint, and any investigation was instigated by the Watonga Chief of Police. Daugherty did issue a statement that was posted on social media that reads in part; “I have the responsibility to listen to the …citizens’ complaints and concerns. I am demanding that it is in the best interest of …citizens … that the two officers involved be placed on leave until the investigation is complete.”
Because the city and the county are separate entities, the city is under no obligation to adhere to the sheriff's demand, even though OSBI did indicate they are working in conjunction with the sheriff on the investigation. That may a courtesy gesture as the sheriff is the highest elected law enforcement officer in any Oklahoma county.
Little had previously stated that the status of the officers in question was unchanged. It is unclear whether that remains the case.
State law prevents supervisors from discussing personnel matters – those involving their employees – outside of closed session in meetings or in private meetings. Discussions with legal representatives of any party are also considered private communications.
OSBI did confirm that there is an ongoing investigation into possible misconduct, but as standard procedure, did not discuss any particulars of the open case. This newspaper did confirm that the officer in the video is a certified law enforcement officer with the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training.