Poteau Police Department

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Poteau Police Department The men and women of the Poteau Police Department are committed to serving our community with integrity and professionalism.

A Message from the Chief

Poteau today is an exciting city with a growing and vibrant population. I strongly believe this is a great time to live here. Crime continues to remain relatively low. Moreover, the cooperative working relationship between police and the people we serve is the strongest it has ever been. It is clear that a solid community partnership is the most effective way of securing our communities, making them safer for all of us. I encourage you to learn more about the divisions and services of our police department. You will find that our employees are a dedicated, well-trained and an enthusiastic group of professionals who take pride in their work. They are ready to work with you to make your home, your workplace, and this community an even better place to live. Disclaimer:
The Administrators of this Page monitor all visitor posts and the Department reserves the right to remove any posts which contain obscenities, off-topic comments, or any personal attacks. Any content posted or submitted for posting is subject to public disclosure. The opinions expressed by visitors to this Page do not reflect the opinions of this Department.

Chief Thompson said we might join in, and today, we delivered! 🌺😎Members of the Poteau Police Department broke out their...
09/22/2026

Chief Thompson said we might join in, and today, we delivered! 🌺😎

Members of the Poteau Police Department broke out their brightest Hawaiian shirts for Homecoming Week. We’re proud to support our hometown Pirates and join our community in the fun!

Pictured from left: Assistant Chief Ethan Firestine, SRO Donnie Reed, Chief Jody Thompson, Detective Ethan Brown, and Patrolman Lane Hill.

Go Pirates! 🏴‍☠️❤️🖤

I’m allowing my administrative staff, communications, and records department to participate next week in showing our sup...
09/16/2026

I’m allowing my administrative staff, communications, and records department to participate next week in showing our support for our hometown Pirates! Heck maybe you’ll see me or Assistant Chief of Police Ethan Firestine dressed up as well or maybe a detective or two playing along……

We’ll see!

Jody Thompson #684
Chief of Police

PHS #1
Cheer Cheer Cheer for old Poteau High 📣🏴‍☠️

09/12/2026

Speeding isn’t a gamble worth taking. You could get a ticket — or much worse.

Don’t push the pedal. Slow down!

September 11, 2001From a law enforcement perspective, September 11 was a day that forever changed what it means to wear ...
09/11/2026

September 11, 2001

From a law enforcement perspective, September 11 was a day that forever changed what it means to wear the badge.

While others were running from danger, police officers ran toward it. They entered the smoke, rubble, and chaos knowing only that someone needed help. Many never came home.

We remember the officers who gave their lives, the firefighters and EMS personnel who stood beside them, and every first responder who answered the call that morning.

Twenty-five years later, we still remember. We still honor. We still serve.

Never forget the courage of those who ran toward the danger. 🇺🇸🖤

9/11/2001 • Never Forgotten

The work doesn’t stop when the month ends. Our officers continue to answer calls, investigate crimes, and serve the citi...
09/08/2026

The work doesn’t stop when the month ends. Our officers continue to answer calls, investigate crimes, and serve the citizens of Poteau with dedication and professionalism.

Here is a look at our department’s activity for August 2026.

09/06/2026

Children count on their community to make it home safe. ❤️ Always stop when the stop-arm is out. 🛑

Help us share this reminder!

Poteau man arrested. On September 4th, 2026 the Poteau PoliceDepartment received a call of a shooting in the1000 block o...
09/05/2026

Poteau man arrested.

On September 4th, 2026 the Poteau Police
Department received a call of a shooting in the
1000 block of North Saddler. The caller further
advised that the suspect, identified as Dustin
Matlock, had barricaded himself inside an RV
and was still armed.

Officers from several agencies responded,
secured the area, and began to attempt to
negotiate with Matlock. Officers were able to
see inside the RV and confirmed that Matlock
was armed.

Matlock was eventually taken into custody and
faces several felony and misdemeanor charges.
No one was reported to be injured from the
incident. This is an arrest, not a conviction.

Jody Thompson
Chief of Police
Poteau Police Department

09/05/2026

For immediate release:

The City of Poteau is advising residents that an emergency incident was reported in the area of 1000 N. Saddler Street within the Poteau city limits.

The situation has been resolved, and the incident remains under investigation by authorities.

At this time, there is no known ongoing threat to the community, and residents should continue their normal activities.

Additional information will be released when it can be confirmed and appropriately shared.

This is an active investigation. Please avoid speculation and rely on official sources for verified information.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.

Jody Thompson
Chief of Police
Poteau Police Department

08/21/2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

POTEAU, Oklahoma — This afternoon, the Poteau Police Department responded to a bank alarm activation at the Monument Bank (Formerly First National Bank of Heavener). In accordance with departmental training and protocol, officers treated the situation as a genuine emergency until a thorough investigation could confirm it was a false alarm.

Address

110 Peters Street
Poteau, OK
74953

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