After Years Without Police Force, Foyil To Hire Police Chief

After years without a police force, the town of Foyil in Rogers County will hire a police chief.

Residents said they hope the department makes the town safer.

The town of Foyil is on Highway 66, about 10 miles northeast of Claremore. Residents said despite its size, many people travel through it.

Some residents think people drive too fast down Route 66, but Sheriff Scott Walton hopes the department focuses on more than just traffic control.

"I don't like to see revenue generated for a community off citations and traffic work," Walton said.

Sheriff Walton said he sees small departments far too often become speed traps, but he said traffic enforcement can be useful if done correctly.

"It also at the same time targets the criminal element that goes through there," Walton said.

Walton said assisting small departments can be a strain on sheriff's office resources but they're always willing to help.

"We have a lot of accidents, of people racing up and down the road," said Roberta Powell.

Roberta Powell has lived in Foyil for many years. She said learning the town is forming a police department gives her hope that it could help cut down on crime, like recent break-ins at their Dollar Store and gas station.

She hopes the addition of a police force will keep their schools safe and bring businesses to the town that have shied away before because the town didn't have a police department.

"It would be nice to have a few more options," Powell said.

The town is looking to hire a chief with five years of experience that's CLEET certified.