S.C. town’s police chief alleges ‘toxic work environment’ as he, all other officers resign

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

McColl Mayor George Garner told WMBF News Friday will be the last day for Police Chief Bob Hale and the town’s four officers.

Garner said Hale put in his resignation first with the officers, who came with Hale to the town, following suit.

In a public Facebook post, however, Hale stated his departure was due to alleged repeated harassment and personal attacks and “the overall creation of a toxic work environment” by an unnamed town councilman.

“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote in the post. “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 that the actions of the unnamed councilman “made it impossible to fulfill this mission without compromising our principles and well-being.”

In his statement, Hale also alleges that money was cut from the police department’s budget and that other critical police needs were unmet.

“This lack of investment hampered our ability to operate at the standard the citizens of the Town of McColl rightfully expect and deserve,” he said. “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.”

Hale further wrote his decision to resign was not made lightly and that he believed stepping away was “the only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change.”

Garner, meanwhile, told WMBF News that Hale’s letter mentioned that he “enjoyed his time there, and thanked him for the opportunities but he had gotten a better offer and was not leaving on bad terms.” The mayor further reiterated to WMBF News that Hale was not leaving the town on bad terms.

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

The town has also reached out to the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division for additional help.

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

You can read Hale’s full statement below:

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.

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