Police chief, entire police department of South Carolina town resigns at once over 'toxic' councilman

A South Carolina town is missing its entire police force after the police chief and all officers resigned from their positions. McColl, South Carolina Mayor George Garner confirmed on Friday that the resignations have left the town in a "difficult situation." 

"We're actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers," Garner said, per Fox News. Police Chief Bob Hale resigned, and the officers followed afterwards, according to the outlet. Hale said that his resignation from the force was in response to an alleged "hostile work environment" from a city council member in McColl.  

"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 a post on Facebook. "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." 

"For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership. 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 added.  

He later added in his statement that he believes the only way the community will be able to "shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change." He alleged that the acts from the specific city council member "were strategically used to inhibit the continued growth and success of the department." He said they included budget cuts as well as other policies.  

One resident of McColl told reporters that the city could be at risk without law enforcement: "Say if someone were stabbed or shot or whatever – without police enforcement, they would have to come from the sheriff’s office in Bennettsville. We’re talking ten or fifteen minutes, and someone could possibly expire in that amount of time. Without police enforcement, it’s definitely a bad situation." 

Mayor Garner said, however, Hale is not leaving on bad terms from the position and that other agencies will fill in the gap as needed. The police department is accepting new applications for officers.