SC city police chief claims ‘toxic work environment’ as he and all other officers resign

McCOLL, SC (WMBF) – A South Carolina town will soon be without its police force after several resignations.

McColl Mayor George Garner told WMBF News Friday that it will be the last day for Police Chief Bob Hale and the four city officers.

Garner said Hale tendered his resignation first to the officers, who followed Hale into town.

However, in a public Facebook post, Hale said his departure was due to alleged repeated harassment and personal attacks and the “general creation of a toxic work environment” by an unnamed city councillor.

“For months, I endured unwarranted and malicious behavior designed to undermine my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote in the post. “These actions not only affected me personally, but also created a toxic atmosphere that hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility has persisted.”

Hale added that the unnamed aide’s actions “made it impossible to accomplish this mission without compromising our principles and our well-being.”

In his statement, Hale also claims that money has been cut from the police department’s budget and that other critical police needs have gone unmet.

“This lack of investment has hindered our ability to operate at the standard that the citizens of McColl expect and rightfully deserve,” he said. “The safety of residents and the well-being of officers should have been prioritized by committing the resources necessary to build a department capable of addressing the complexities of 21st century policing. Unfortunately, this has not been the case and most of my tenure as Chief of Police has been spent clearing the names of my officers, as well as mine, of the many lies that have been made against us.”

Hale also said that his decision to resign was not taken lightly and that he believes that stepping down is “the only way to shine a light on the seriousness of these issues and demand accountability and change.”

Meanwhile, Garner told WMBF News that Hale’s letter stated that he “enjoyed his time there and thanked him for the opportunities, but he got a better offer and he didn’t leave on bad terms.” The mayor went on to reiterate to WMBF News that Hale is not leaving the city on bad terms.

Garner added that he has asked the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and other agencies to help cover the city. He also put out a request to surrounding departments to see if off-duty officers would be willing to help and be paid by the city.

The city also contacted the South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement for additional assistance.

Garnder said candidates for the open chief position are ongoing. He added that any licensed officer interested in working in the city can fill out an application at McColl City Hall.

You can read Hale’s full statement below:

It is with a heavy heart that I am confirming my resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department, along with all four of my officers. My personal decision to leave the McColl Police Department can be attributed to the repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by a certain counselor.

For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior designed to undermine my integrity and leadership. These actions not only affected me personally, but also created a toxic atmosphere that hindered the department’s ability to function effectively. Despite our efforts to address these issues professionally and through appropriate channels, the harassment and hostility persisted.

As a law enforcement leader, my primary duty is to serve and protect the people of this community while ensuring that my team can operate with dignity and respect. This advisor’s continued actions have made it impossible to accomplish this mission without compromising our principles and well-being.

I also can’t help but feel that these consistent negative acts have been used strategically 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 councilor on his arrival in his elected office. Despite repeated calls for funding to upgrade equipment, improve training, and increase staffing levels to meet the needs of our community, those critical needs have remained unmet. This lack of investment has hindered our ability to operate at the standard that the citizens of McColl expect and rightfully deserve. The safety of residents and the well-being of officers should have been prioritized by committing the resources necessary to build a department capable of handling the complexities of 21st century policing. Unfortunately, this was not the case and most of my tenure as Chief of Police was spent clearing the names of my officers, as well as mine, of the many lies that were made against us.

This decision to resign was not taken lightly and I deeply regret the impact it may have on the community to which we have dedicated ourselves. However, I believe that quitting is the only way to shine a light on the seriousness of these issues and demand accountability and change.

I am hopeful that the City of McColl will come together to address these challenges, prioritize ethical leadership, and create an environment in which public servants can perform their duties without undue interference and hostility.

Stay with WMBF News for updates.