Entire police force suddenly resigns in South Carolina

A police chief and the entire police force suddenly resigned last week, leaving a South Carolina town without a police officer. The police chief confirmed the resignations were due to a “toxic” councilor who created a “hostile working environment”.

Last week McColl Mayor George Garner said WMBF News reports the town will have no police officers and will be in a “difficult situation” following the resignations of McColl Police Chief Bob Hale and four other police officers in the South Carolina town.

Garner told WMBF News that Hale was the first to submit his resignation, followed by other police officers in the town. “We are actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers,” Garner added.

on Facebook to postHale explained the reason behind his resignation: “It is with great sadness that I, along with four of my fellow officers, confirm my resignation as the Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department. My personal decision to leave the McColl Police Department is based on repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and a general perpetration by a particular Council Member.” may be attributed to creating a hostile work environment.

Hale said the unnamed councilman forced him to endure “unfair and abusive behavior” that targeted both the police chief’s leadership and integrity.

READ MORE: The municipality disbanded the entire police force

“These actions not only affected me personally, but also created a toxic atmosphere that prevented the department from being able to operate effectively,” Hale added. “Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, harassment and hostility continued.”

In his Facebook post, Hale announced that “a significant amount of money was cut” from the police budget due to the unnamed council member. Hale said the department’s “critical needs” were not being met because funds were depleted.

The former police chief said the decision to resign was “not taken lightly” and expressed regret for the potential negative impact on the community.

“I believe the only way to shine a light on the seriousness of these problems and call for accountability and change is to step away,” Hale said. “I remain hopeful that the Town of McColl will come together to meet these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment in which those in public service can perform their duties free of undue interference and hostility.”