The small town of Chelsea, Oklahoma, is facing allegations of operating on a so-called "good ol' boy" system.
A recent traffic stop caught on dash cam has split prominent members of the community and the police force.
"My officers have received threats. I personally and the chief has received threats to our jobs," Assistant Police Chief Travis Hogan said.
The controversy started two months ago when a Chelsea police officer pulled over local businessman Brian Haggard. The stop went as planned until prominent members of the community allegedly started interfering with the arrest.
"I was shocked when I received the phone call from the police commissioner."
That was Chelsea's assistant Police Chief Chief Travis Hogan. He says the police commissioner called and offered to pick up Haggard to help him avoid arrest.
As the video shows, the city manager also showed up on the scene unexpectedly.
"Did you talk to the chief?"
In spite of pressure to do otherwise, the officer completed the arrest. Since then, Hogan says he and others have faced what they're calling the "Fallout on Facebook" — facing threats to their jobs.
That despite most of the comments on the department's own Facebook page appearing to support the officers. One read in part: "Thanks to Officer Pape and Assistant Chief Hogan for doing the right thing under pressure. ... You guys are doing your jobs."
According to Raw Story, Assistant Police Chief Hogan has since written a full-page letter to the local newspaper asking for "understanding and respect for the police department."
As KTUL reports, Haggard denied making any threats to the police force but did say "cops are ruining the reputation of the city."
