One community in South Carolina does not have a police force. After the entire department resigned Including the police chief.
On Friday, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed the city no longer has a police officer. told WMBF News that the community is in “Difficult situation”
“We are working diligently to hire a new police chief and additional officers,” Mayor Garner said.
Garner said. Police Chief Bob Hale submitted his resignation first. The other officials then followed suit.
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One community in South Carolina is without a police force after multiple resignations. Including the police chief. (WMBF News)
In a public Facebook post, Hale said his resignation was due to allegations of repeated harassment and assault and a “hostile work environment” by an unnamed city council member.
“I would like to confirm my resignation as Police Chief of the McColl Police Department. Along with my four fellow officers,” Hale wrote, “my personal decision to resign from the McColl Police Department may have stemmed from repeated harassment. A personal attack on my character. and the creation of an overall hostile work environment by any council member.”
Hale added that the actions of the unnamed council member prevented the department from operating effectively.
“For months, I have tolerated dangerous and senseless behavior intended to undermine my integrity and leadership,” Hale continued in the post. “These actions not only affect me personally. But it also creates a toxic atmosphere that impedes the department’s ability to function effectively. Although we will endeavor to resolve these issues professionally and through appropriate channels. But threats and hate still exist.”
in his statement Hale also alleged that money was cut from the police department’s budget. and other important needs of the police did not receive a response.
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“I cannot help but feel that these consistent negative actions have been strategically used to inhibit the department’s continued growth and success. A lot of money was cut from our already exhausted budget by the same council member when he came to his election. position despite requests for funding to modernize equipment. and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community. But those important needs are still not being met. Ability to perform to the standards that the citizens of the City of McColl rightly expect and deserve. The safety of residents and the well-being of staff should be prioritized by deploying the necessary resources to build a department capable of dealing with the complexity of Police of the 21st Century Sadly, this is not the case. And much of my position as Police Commissioner was spent clearing the names of my officers and myself. From many lies That was done against us.” – Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale
Hale said the decision to resign was not made lightly. And he deeply regrets the impact this may have on the community they dedicated themselves to serving.
“I believe coming forward is the only way to shed light on the seriousness of these issues. and call for accountability and change. I remain hopeful that the City of McColl will come together to address these challenges. Prioritize ethical leadership. and create an environment where public service providers can carry out their duties free from undue interference and hostility,” Hale wrote.
One McColl resident told WMBF that the city currently does not have a police department. He is concerned residents may be at risk.
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The city of McColl does not have a single police officer on duty. Because the entire police force Including the leader, he has resigned. (Town of McColl Facebook)
“Say someone gets stabbed or shot or whatever. If there are no police officers They had to be from the sheriff’s office in Bennettsville,” said William Groom, a McCall resident. “We were talking for ten or fifteen minutes. And some people may have died during that time. If there is no police enforcement It will definitely be a bad situation.”
Despite Hales’ statement, Garner told WMBF that Hale did not leave town on bad terms.
“I hate to see them go. They are a great group. But we will continue,” Garner said.
Garner added that he has asked the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other nearby agencies. Help cover the city in the meantime. He also enlisted the South Carolina Department of Law Enforcement for additional assistance.
The McColl Police Department is currently accepting applications for a police chief, and Garner said applications can be picked up at McColl Town Hall.
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Back in October Other communities experience a similar situation to McColl.
All Geary Police Departments in Oklahoma Including the police chief Resigned, citing political leaders’ inability to meet the demands of the police department.
Fox News Digital reached out to Mayor Garner but did not immediately receive a response.
