McCOLL, South Carolina – An entire police force has resigned, placing a South Carolina community in a public safety dilemma.
McColl Police Chief Bob Hale and the town’s four policemen have all resigned. Friday was their final day.
Hale stated that his departure is the result of alleged persistent harassment and personal attacks, as well as “the overall creation of a toxic work environment” by a town council member.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale posted to his Facebook page.
“These acts have not only harmed me personally, but they have also created a toxic environment that has hampered the department’s ability to work properly. Despite our efforts to address these concerns professionally and through appropriate means, the harassment and antagonism continue.”
Hale also claims that funds were slashed from the police department’s budget, and that other vital police demands went unfulfilled.
“The safety of the residents and the well-being of the officers should have been prioritized by committing the necessary resources to build a department capable of addressing the complexities of 21st-century policing,” he told reporters.
A former investigator also claimed this about the department.
Courtney Bulusan, a former McColl Investigator, stated that her job was made more difficult because she lacked the essential tools and equipment.
“I was on my way to a call when that one suddenly quit working. “We need cars,” Bulusan stated.
Bulusan said she wanted citizens to understand that her departure had nothing to do with the community. She hopes the town takes the necessary steps to keep the community safe.
McColl resident William Groom is concerned that residents may be at risk now that there is no police force.
“Say someone was stabbed, shot, or whatever. They would have to come from the Bennettsville sheriff’s office if there was no police presence, according to Groom. “We’re talking about 10 or 15 minutes, and someone may die in that time. It’s clearly a bad situation in the absence of police intervention.”
The town’s mayor stated that the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office will cover the town while they search for new police personnel.
The mayor stated that inhabitants should be on their best behavior and demonstrate to the county that they can control themselves over the holidays.