The City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department are aware of videos circulating on YouTube and social media that allege racist and unconstitutional behavior by Oxford Police Department officers. These claims are categorically inaccurate.
On January 9, 2026, the Oxford Police Department received a call from a bank near the Courthouse Square on South Lamar. The caller stated that two men wearing hats and sunglasses were recording the bank and began asking questions, such as whether there was a vault inside the bank.
Once officers arrived for the call, they were able to locate men matching that description still standing near the bank. Officers asked the bank if they would like to press charges against the individuals, but they declined, and our officers left the area.
Our actions were reasonable based on the nature of the call, gathering information, and leaving. Any individual who engages with a bank employee while wearing a face covering, filming, and asking about the vault location should expect to be questioned.
Later the same afternoon, the Oxford Police Department received a call about individuals recording and harassing customers at a business on North Lamar. Officers responded to the area and spoke with the business owner, who then asked to trespass the individuals from all of his business locations in the state. The individuals were informed of their trespass, and then the officers left the area.
The department was made aware of the two calls regarding First Amendment auditors and began an internal audit into the matter by reviewing all body cam footage and police reports. The department and City of Oxford concluded that the officers involved had committed no violation and responded to the matters cordially and professionally. One of the auditors admitted on video, both on OPD officers’ body camera footage and his own personal YouTube video, that our officers conducted themselves in a professional manner.
The City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department fully support constitutional rights, including the right to record in public spaces. However, officers also have a duty to respond when concerns are reported or assistance is requested. Fulfilling that responsibility does not constitute harassment or discrimination.
“We take allegations of officer misconduct seriously, but we match that passion when our staff is falsely accused of misconduct,” said Chief Jeff McCutchen.
“It’s quite ironic that individuals are calling for professional behavior, yet those same individuals are calling our office, threatening, cursing, and belittling our front office ladies and dispatchers, who have no involvement in this matter. Match the same energy that you are requesting. You can email me with concerns. Our front office and dispatchers deserve better.”
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