A South Carolina community has been left without a police presence after the resignation of the entire police department.
On Friday, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed to WMBF News that the town’s police force, including police chief Bob Hale, had resigned, and that it would be their last day.
Hale was the first of the group to hand in his resignation, Garner told WMBF News.
Hale released a statement on Facebook on Nov. 22, attributing his decision to resign to alleged harassment, personal attacks, and a difficult working environment.
“It is with a heavy heart that I do confirm my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department along with all four of my fellow officers,” Hale wrote in the post. “My personal decision to step away from the McColl Police Department can be attributed to repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a specific Councilman.”
Hale added that the toxic environment made it difficult for the department to run smoothly.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” he wrote. “These actions have not only affected me personally but have also created a toxic atmosphere that has hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility have persisted.”
Hale said he felt that the “consistent negative acts were strategically used to inhibit the continued growth and success of the department.” He also alleged that the unnamed councilman cut money from the police department’s budget.
“A significant amount of money was cut from our already depleted budget by the same Councilman upon his arrival to his elected position. Despite repeated appeals for funding to modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community, those critical needs went unmet,” Hale wrote in the statement.
“This lack of investment hampered our ability to operate at the standard the citizens of the Town of McColl rightfully expect and deserve,” he wrote. “The safety of the residents and the well-being of the officers should have been prioritized by committing the necessary resources to build a department capable of addressing the complexities of 21st-century policing. Sadly, this was not the case and the majority of my tenure as Chief of Police was spent clearing the names of my officers as well as myself, from the numerous falsehoods that were made against us.”
The former police chief noted that the decision to resign was not made lightly, and he said he deeply regrets the impact it may have on the community.
“I believe that stepping away is the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change. I remain hopeful that the Town of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where those in public service can perform their duties free from undue interference and hostility,” Hale said.
Despite Hale’s statement, Garner told WMBF that the former chief had received a better offer and was not leaving the town on bad terms.
“I hate to see them go. They were a great group. But we are going to continue on,” Garner said.
The mayor said that nearby agencies and departments, including the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office, will stand in and help cover the town for now, and that police officers interested in working in the town can fill out an application form at McColl Town Hall.