Residents of McColl, South Carolina are reeling after learning that the town is without a police force after the entire department resigned, including the chief of police.
According to local affiliate WMBF News, last Friday, McColl Mayor George Garner confirmed that the town no longer had any police officers and said the community is in a “difficult situation.”
“We’re actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers,” Mayor Garner said.
Garner told the outlets that Police Chief Bob Hale put in his resignation first and the other officers then followed suit.
In a public Facebook post, Hale stated his resignation was due to alleged repeated harassment and personal attacks and “hostile work environment” by an unnamed member of the city council.
“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.
“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 also added that the actions of the unnamed councilman made it impossible for the department to function effectively.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale continued in the post. “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.”
In his statement, Hale also alleged that money was cut from the police department’s budget and that other critical police needs were not being fulfilled.
In light of the sudden resignation, Mayor Garner said that he has asked the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other nearby agencies to help cover the town in the meantime.
He also enlisted the help of the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division for additional help.
The McColl Police Department is now accepting applications for Chief of Police and Garner said applications can be picked up at McColl Town hall.