Police Chief: Officers currently working more than one vehicle crash per day

During a Sept. 23 chat session, Tahlequah Police Chief Nate King updated the public on call numbers so far for September.

The Special Emphasis Unit worked this past weekend on East Downing Street and logged nearly 42 contacts, issued 18 citations, and arrested about five individuals.

"We had an indecent exposure incident at Walmart [Sunday, Sept. 22] where an arrest was made. Officers responded to a call for service from them," King said.

Officers have logged about 3,512 calls for service; 1,500 citizen contacts; 830 building checks 23 thefts; and 10 burglaries. Officers made 97 arrests and have taken 173 reports so far in September. King said they worked 40 vehicle crashes.

"You know with all of the construction going on, driving around Tahlequah is not fun right now but we've got to pay a little more attention. We're having more than one accident per day and that's just a little high and so if we could pay a little more attention that would be great," he said.

King said there will be an updated contract between TPD and the Cherokee Nation as far as housing tribal arrestees during the next Tahlequah City Council meeting. King added that they are also in talks with the town of Hulbert in regards to housing their municipal arrestees.

"Something that I'm excited about, a friend of mine, someone who's been a mentor to me for years - both professionally and personally - Dr. Mark Smith will be joining Tahlequah Police Department as a reserve officer and kind of serve unofficially as our reserve officer coordinator and even a recruitment assistant/coordinator," King said.