The entire police force in a South Carolina town has resigned, with the former police chief claiming that the resignations were due to a toxic work environment and “harassment” from a town council member.
The McColl Police Department, which served a town of about 2,000 residents in Marlboro County, is now relying on assistance from other law enforcement agencies after Police Chief Bob Hale and his four officers all resigned.
In a statement posted on Facebook last week, Hale explained his decision, citing persistent harassment and personal attacks by an unnamed town official.
“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,” he 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.”
According to Newsweek, the town of McColl has a mayor and just six council members. The official that Hale is referring to has not been identified.
The Facebook post added that Hale had hoped he would be able to “exit quietly” and avoid the resignation being so public. However, he posted a comment online after being contacted repeatedly by media who were inquiring about the situation.
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale explained. “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.”
The former police chief added that budget cuts were a motivating factor, citing the cutting of a “significant amount of money… from our already depleted budget by the same councilman.” Hale argued that due to these cuts, “critical needs went unmet” and that the “lack of investment hampered our ability to operate.”
Hale further explained that the majority of his tenure as police chief “was spent clearing the names of my officers as well as myself, from the numerous falsehoods that were made against us.”
“I remain hopeful that the town of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment where those in public service can perform their duties free from undue interference and hostility,” Hale concluded.
