Aug 16, 2026
State agents assigned under Attorney General Gentner Drummond are patrolling Beggs streets until positions vacated by police resignations are filled, the mayor said. Previous coverage>>> Three Beggs police officers resi gn, cite concerns over department conductState agents filling in as temporary police officers is considered a rare move, but it is at least the second occasion in the last year for the attorney general.Last August, City of Okemah's "unprecedented" request to Drummond was granted after its police department experienced firings and resignations. Related>>> Okemah city leaders double down on state agent takeover despite community angerIn Beggs' case, mayor Roger Merrill told 2 News Oklahoma via text Aug. 16 he's grateful Drummond stepped in.Likewise, Drummond's statement announcing the takeover said it was requested by State Rep. Scott Fetgatter (R-Okmulgee), who was concerned about "crime in the community" after the interim chief, assistant chief, and one officer resigned in late July.WATCH: Agents from AG's office temporarily filling in for vacant Beggs police posts: Agents from AG's office temporarily filling in for vacant Beggs police postsAn Aug. 14 statement from Mayor Merrill posted on the city website said "Okmulgee County Sheriff Eddie Rice has pledged to provide service in the event additional enforcement is needed."Drummond's announcement Aug. 14 said Beggs residents can expect professionalism, compassion and fairness from my agents. My office will maintain a strong presence in Beggs for as long as we are needed. On Aug. 16, 2 News listened to Beggs schools parent Ty Hadjiconstantinou, who said hes in a wait-and-see mode on the impact the move brings.The town needs police and all that. And I mean, if the mayor and whatever is going on - if he can find someone thats good then hopefully he can," Hadjiconstantinou said. "I dont really have an opinion on that because I dont vote hereIm just an outsider looking in, but I pay attention because I have a daughter that lives here."The mayor also posted on the city website Aug. 15 that the state agents will be using city patrol cars as part of the deal.No defined timetable was given for when the open Beggs Police Department positions will be filled.Stay in touch with us anytime, anywhere -- 2 News Oklahoma on your schedule | Download on your TV, watch for free. How to watch on your streaming device Download our free app for Apple, Android and Kindle devices. Like us on Facebook Follow us on Instagram Watch LIVE 24/7 on YouTube ...read more read less
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