The Town of McColl is without its local police presence since Police Chief Bob Hale and the four officers who served under him resigned in mass late last week.
In a Facebook post on Nov. 21, Hale cited a hostile work environment where he endured “unwanted and malicious behavior.”
He cited resistance from the City Council to modernize the department’s equipment and provide proper funding. And said that leaving is the only way to shed light on the issues the department faces.
Almost as soon as Hale left, the four officers serving under him tendered their resignations as well.
McColl Mayor George Garner said only that the City Council is “working hard to fill the positions.”
The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office will serve as McColl’s police service in the meantime.
The entirety of Hale’s Facebook post reads:
I've had several media stations reach out regarding our resignations and they requested some type of explanation since they read that pay wasn't the issue. I wanted to exit quietly and with minimal attention in hopes of not bringing any type of negative attention to the town or it's people. However, I realized that I'd be doing every citizen and future employee a huge disservice by not speaking truthfully about our departures.
I did issue the same statement to Tonya Brown and I think it's in the previous post from yesterday. I'll list it here just in case it's more convenient.
Lastly, I want to thank everyone for their support and prayers during my tenure in McColl. Please continue to pray for me and my fellow officers but more importantly please pray for one of the most underrated and special places in this entire state. Thank you for everything McColl.
Statement below:
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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. 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.
As a law enforcement leader, my primary duty is to serve and protect the people of this community while ensuring my team can operate with dignity and respect. The ongoing actions of this particular Councilman have made it impossible to fulfill this mission without compromising our principles and well-being.
I also can't help but feel that these consistent negative acts were strategically used to inhibit the continued growth and success of the department. A significant amount of money was cut from our already depleted budget by the same Councilman upon his arrival to his elected position. Despite repeated appeals for funding to modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community, those critical needs went unmet. This lack of investment hampered our ability to operate at the standard the citizens of the Town of McColl rightfully expect and deserve. 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. Sadly, this was not the case and the majority of my tenure as Chief of Police was spent clearing the names of my officers as well as myself, from the numerous falsehoods that were made against us.
This decision to resign was not made lightly, and I deeply regret the impact it may have on the community we have dedicated ourselves to serving. However, I believe that stepping away is the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change.
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.
Chief Bob Hale
McColl Police Department
