The entire police force in a South Carolina town has resigned, with the police chief citing a toxic work environment as the motive for his resignation.
The once five-strong McCall Police Department (MPD) is currently losing officers, former Police Chief Robert Hale suggested in a report Thursday. statement To clarify the situation.
Hale made a bid for him. resignation letter The letter was sent Oct. 31 to McCall Mayor George Garner and other administrators. This document was originally shared with Tonya Brown of WPDE News. “After a long and difficult period of discussion and consideration, I have decided to accept a position that is better suited to prioritize my family life responsibilities and the possibility of furthering my larger leadership role.” he wrote. letter. His last day of work was Friday.
Hale thanked the town and the police department for the opportunity, but went on to allude to professional difficulties. “Over the past year and a half, I have been exposed to numerous issues and challenges,” he wrote. (Related: All North Carolina Town police officers resign, citing 'hostile work environment')
Despite Hale's desire to “exit quietly and with minimal caution in the hope of not bringing any negative attention to the town or its people,” according to a statement filed Thursday, police His resignation is said to have sparked interest.
Hale said her resignation was due to “repeated acts of harassment, personal attacks on my character, and the overall creation of a hostile work environment perpetuated by certain members.”
Hale “endured unwarranted and malicious acts” that “created a toxic atmosphere” and undermined the town's police force, and persisted despite “efforts to address these issues through appropriate professional channels.” He claimed that he continued to act.
The former chief alleged that the City Council members whom Hale mentioned but did not name introduced significant budget cuts to MPD upon taking office, even though the city was already underfunded. Hale said the move hampered the Metropolitan Police Department's ability to “address the complexities of 21st century policing” and showed a reluctance to prioritize “resident safety and officer well-being.”
The former chief regretted the impact this decision had on the community. “However, I believe that withdrawing is the only way to expose the seriousness of these problems and demand accountability and change,” he added.
Mayor George Garner told WPDE News The town was paying close attention to this situation. “We are actively working to hire a new police chief and more officers,” he said.
“Sad, sad, incredibly sad. I don't agree with that at all. McCall needs police,” local resident Teresa Stubbs told the show.
Another local resident, Lisa Bowen, said: Very dangerous. Because anyone can do anything at any time. ”
Garner said. WCBD News 2 The Marlborough County Sheriff's Office (MCSO) has jurisdiction over the town and will likely take some time to respond, but MCSO is also reportedly short on staff.
The Metropolitan Police Department has appointed six police chiefs in four years and has faced scandals in the past. (Related: The battle with the police is in full swing. How will it end?)
Dodger L. Rhames, 62, now a former Metropolitan Police Department lieutenant, is accused of breaking into a residence in 2023, physically assaulting a person, and arresting the person inside, WBTW News 13 reported. Rhames was also fired from the sheriff's office in 2014 after being charged with official misconduct for lying about an affair.
Former Metropolitan Police Chief Xavier Williams was “forced to resign due to a hostile work environment caused by misconduct.” [town’s] Mayor” 2023, WBTW News 13 Separately reportedciting documents from the South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy. Mr. Garner was mayor at the time.
