Oxford Police Department clears officers of misconduct amid social media videos
The City of Oxford and the Oxford Police Department have responded to videos circulating on YouTube and social media that allege racist and unconstitutional behavior by officers. The department said claims are categorically false.
On January 9, 2026, officers responded to a bank near Courthouse Square after a caller reported two men wearing hats and sunglasses recording the bank and asking about its vault. Officers located the men nearby and offered the bank the option to press charges, which they declined. The officers then left the scene, citing reasonable actions based on the call’s details.
Later that day, police responded to another report of individuals recording and harassing customers at a business on North Lamar. The business owner asked officers to trespass the individuals from all of his locations in the state. Officers informed the individuals of the trespass, and they left the area.
The department reviewed body camera footage and reports as part of an internal audit. Both the police department and the city concluded that officers acted professionally and did not violate any policies. One of the individuals involved admitted on video, including on the officers’ body camera footage and his own YouTube video, that the officers behaved professionally.
The Oxford Police Department reaffirmed its support for constitutional rights, including the right to record in public spaces. The department emphasized that responding to reported concerns or requests for assistance is part of their duty and not harassment or discrimination.
Chief Jeff McCutchen said the department takes misconduct allegations seriously but also defends its officers against false accusations. He criticized individuals who threaten, curse, or belittle department staff, including front office personnel and dispatchers, who were not involved in the incidents. He encouraged the public to direct concerns via email, stating that staff deserve respectful treatment.
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