Mounds Residents React to Police Department Suspension

The mayor of Mounds said the city's entire police department has been placed on suspension.

Officials are being very tight-lipped about what's going on with the Mounds Police.

We've called several different authorities who have given us the runaround.

So far all we know is the department is shut down.

We don't know why and that's left many residents with questions.

The doors are locked at the Mounds Police Station, and a note on the door says to call the Creek County Sheriff's Office if you have any problems.

6/8/2012 Related Story: City Of Mounds Suspends Its Police Department

Mayor Aaron Veale says the police force is currently under investigation, but he won't say why.

Many people say they're confused.

"We had a problem several times and they were always right there on the spot. There was never a problem," Tara Robinson said. "They were always really good."

"I don't have no problems at all with them. I think they kind of watch over us and help the ones that do need help," Marie Birdsong said.

MPD only has two paid officers, its Chief Chad Long and Deputy Chief Jerry Grafton.

Veale says both have been placed on suspension and the town's reserve officers have had their commission cards pulled.

The reserve cops cannot serve without the supervision of paid officers.

In a statement Veale said, "It is with great sadness that I learn of the allegations against our town's police department. The town of Mounds will do everything we can to help in the investigation. Let me reassure the people of Mounds that you are and will continue to be protected by the authorities."

Although some are baffled by this recent news. Others say they're not surprised.

"I think that's a pretty good thing," Dustin Summers said. "It probably is time for something new in there. It's long overdue."

The Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation, the Creek County District Attorney's Office and the Sheriff's Office are all part of the investigation.

A secretary at the police station said the investigation isn't focused ON the reserve officers, AND hopeS they're all reinstated when the investigation is over.

In the meantime, Creek County sheriff's deputies are in charge of patrolling Mounds.

They're based in Sapulpa, which is 15 minutes away.