Entire City’s Police Department Quits on the Same Day

“What if” turned into “oh no” when an entire city’s police force, including the chief, resigned on the exact same day.

In happened in McColl, S.C. The mayor, George Garner, says that the town no longer has any police officers and told WMBF News that the community is in a “difficult situation.”

Difficult situation, to say the least. Who gets dispatched when 911 is called? Who will serve and protect the city? The answer to that is not really known at this moment in time.

The mayor is putting out the call to everyone in the city who wants to be a police officer that they need help. “We’re actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers,” Mayor Garner said.

To become police chief, you have to literally go to the McColl Town Hall, pick up an application, take it home and fill it out and return it to be considered.

Bob Hale was the police chief of the town and when he resigned, all of the officers under him did as well. The statement that Hale produced for his resignation is rather scathing, blaming an unnamed councilman for making it impossible to do his job properly.

“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” he wrote. “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 also said that the town had continuously cut the budget for his staff, making it harder and harder to police correctly.

Mayor Garner says that he has asked neighboring counties’ sheriff’s departments to assist when and where they can, but residents worry that the town is going to be vulnerable without a direct police presence.