Residents and union leaders press Del City council for clarity after staffing cuts

Residents, the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge and neighborhood-watch leaders used the public-comment portion of the Del City City Council meeting on Oct. 6 to press elected officials for clearer information about recent reductions in police staffing and what that means for public safety.

The concern was raised first by Chris Massey, identified as president of the local Fraternal Order of Police lodge. "Our concern is about how these changes may affect staffing and public safety in both the short short time and long term," Massey told the council, and said the lodge appreciated that "mayor Eason and city management have reached out to our lodge." Massey said the lodge is "encouraged that there appears to be a path forward to work together and find solutions."

Why it matters: Residents said rumors and social-media posts about cuts have created confusion and anxiety. Several speakers asked the city to explain whether and how service levels would change and to communicate directly with the public.

Neighborhood-watch president Daryl Howard said the rumors were harming morale and creating uncertainty among officers and residents. "I just think the city and the police department need to come together and tell the citizens of the city what's going on," Howard said during public comments. Dina Hale, a Del City resident, asked specifically for assurances that "my police department is, fully staffed and trained and that they are, free to be focused on the job at hand."

Other residents described local public-safety incidents and cited pressures on code enforcement and animal control. Wayne Brock recounted a recent call where police shot a dog that was threatening people; he said the responding officer "saved a young mom that had a 2 month old baby." Wayne Keener and Gordon Gibson raised neighborhood quality-of-life issues—overgrown creeks, parking, and property upkeep—and asked for clearer city enforcement.

Council response: Council members and the mayor repeatedly acknowledged the concerns and stressed that officials and staff were working on solutions. Councilman Dean defended recent administrative decisions as part of a plan to address long‑term fiscal problems and said, "We are not defunding the police." Mayor Floyd Eason and other city leaders told commenters they had posted a public statement and were coordinating with department leaders; at one point the mayor said, "we are working for a solution. Everybody that is working on this has the same goal in mind. We want a safe, secure, Del City."

No change in patrol staffing was recorded as a formal action during the meeting. Council members said the conversation was ongoing; residents were directed to a community meeting scheduled at the Del City Community Center a week after the meeting for additional public questions and staff responses.

Meeting context: The remarks occurred during the public-and-council-input block of the Oct. 6 meeting and drew multiple speakers, including union leadership and neighborhood-watch representatives. Council members emphasized they had discussed these issues with department leaders and that a public statement had been posted describing a "path forward." The council did not take formal action amending police staffing or budgets during the session.

Ending: Several speakers asked the city to provide clearer, regular updates. City officials said they would continue outreach and invited residents to a scheduled community forum where staff will take questions and provide additional detail.