Three officers and the chief of a four-person police department in a small city in Oklahoma abruptly resigned on Thursday, as did two of its three City Council members, all with little explanation.

The sudden, mysterious departures in Geary, Okla., which was a bustling trade center at the turn of the 20th century, have put the city, with a population of just under 1,000, in the spotlight as news of the mass resignations has gained national attention.

Terryl Allen, the public information officer for the city, which is about 50 miles west of Oklahoma City, said on the police department’s Facebook page that the officers and the chief resigned on Oct. 31 and that an interim chief had been appointed.

“We would like to let our citizens know we are conducting business as usual,” Mr. Allen said.

He did not say why the entire department had resigned. If Geary residents call 911, a law enforcement response will come from sheriff’s offices in Blaine and Canadian Counties, which offered their help, he said.

There was no immediate word on replacing the departed Geary city officers.

Hours before Mr. Allen’s post, the departing police chief, Alicia Ford, announced the department resignations on the same Facebook page.

Ms. Ford, who became chief in October 2023, did not say why she and the officers had quit.

“I would encourage every one of the members of this great community to take the time to get to know your council members and to be as involved as possible in the city, especially attending the City Council meetings,” Ms. Ford wrote. “Your voices are stronger when you stand together as one, and you all have the ability to affect the change you want to see in your community.”

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