A town in South Carolina, McColl, is currently facing a significant challenge as its entire police department has resigned, including the chief. Mayor George Garner confirmed that the small community now has no officers on duty, describing the situation as “difficult.”
Police Chief Bob Hale was the first to step down, followed by the rest of the department. In a public statement, Hale expressed that his resignation was prompted by ongoing harassment and a hostile work atmosphere created by a member of the city council, whose identity he did not disclose.
Hale shared his decision on social media, stating, “It is with a heavy heart that I do confirm my resignation…due to repeated acts of harassment and personal attacks on my character.” He explained that these negative actions had severely affected the department’s ability to operate efficiently, despite efforts to resolve issues through proper channels.
Additionally, Hale raised concerns about budget cuts impacting the department, which hindered their capacity to offer necessary services to the community. He criticized the lack of resources for modernizing equipment, improving training, and increasing staff to meet the demands of contemporary policing.
Despite the turmoil, Mayor Garner indicated that he is looking forward and working hard to find a new police chief and additional officers to restore law enforcement in McColl. He expressed regret over the resignations, noting that the former police team was highly valued.
Community members, however, are growing anxious. Local resident William Groom highlighted safety concerns, emphasizing the potential dangers of lacking immediate police response in emergencies. He pointed out that help from the sheriff’s office would take longer to reach the area, which could lead to tragic outcomes.
In the meantime, McColl is seeking assistance from the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety until a new police force is established. Applications for a new chief of police are now available at McColl Town Hall.
This incident in McColl reflects a broader issue seen in other communities, including Geary, Oklahoma, where the police department also resigned due to similar challenges with local leadership not supporting law enforcement needs adequately.
As the town strives to overcome this hurdle, the call for stronger support and accountability in local law enforcement continues to resonate among its residents.
