The entire police department in South Carolina has resigned, leaving the community without any law enforcement presence.

The entire police department, including the chief, resigned in a South Carolina community, leaving the town without a police force.

On Friday, Mayor George Garner of McColl confirmed that the town had disbanded its police force and expressed the community's struggle in a "difficult situation" to WMBF News.

Mayor Garner stated that they are currently in the process of recruiting a new police chief and additional officers.

The other officers resigned after Police Chief Bob Hale submitted his resignation.

In a public Facebook post, Hale announced his resignation due to alleged harassment and personal attacks by an unnamed city council member, resulting in a hostile work environment.

"Hale wrote that he confirmed his resignation as Chief of Police of the McColl Police Department, along with his four colleagues, due to repeated harassment, personal attacks on his character, and the creation of a hostile work environment by a specific Councilman."

The councilman's actions hindered the department's ability to operate efficiently, according to Hale.

"Hale stated in the post that for months, he has been subjected to unjustified and harmful behavior aimed at damaging his reputation and authority. These actions have not only affected him personally but have also created a poisonous environment that has impeded the department's ability to operate efficiently. Despite our attempts to resolve these issues through professional channels and proper protocols, the harassment and hostility have persisted."

Hale claimed that the police department's budget was cut and that other essential police requirements were not being met.

"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," - Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale

Hale stated that the decision to resign was not taken lightly, and he deeply regrets the potential consequences it may have on the community they have devoted themselves to serving.

The only way to shed light on the severity of these issues and call for accountability and change is by stepping away, according to Hale. Despite this, Hale remains 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.

A McColl resident expressed concern about the safety of residents due to the absence of a police department in the town.

"If someone were stabbed or shot, without police enforcement, they would have to come from the sheriff's office in Bennettsville, which could take ten to fifteen minutes, and someone could possibly expire in that time frame, making it a bad situation, said William Groom, a resident of McColl."

Although Hales claimed to be leaving the town on bad terms, Garner informed WMBF that Hale's departure was not contentious.

"I hate to see them go, but we'll continue on," Garner said.

Garner requested assistance from the Marlboro County Sheriff's Office, nearby agencies, and the South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division to cover the town.

Applications for Chief of Police at the McColl Police Department can be picked up at McColl Town hall.

In October, another community faced a similar situation as the town of McColl.

The entire Geary Police Department in Oklahoma, including their chief of police, resigned due to political leaders' inability to fulfill the police department's requirements.

Mayor Garner did not respond to Planet Chronicle Digital's inquiry.