Barrackville’s Police Department Disbanded Amid Controversy

A small town in Marion County, West Virginia, has lost its entire police department in a surprising turn of events.

In a recent announcement, the Barrackville Police Department stated, “Effective immediately, the entire Barrackville Police Department has been relieved of duty by the Mayor and City Council.” This news came across on a social media post.

The statement expressed gratitude to the community, highlighting how it had been an honor to serve the citizens, wishing them well moving forward.

The police station, which had only two officers, disbanded after Sergeant David Hunt reported a break-in at the evidence room. The situation escalated when Hunt, upon discovering the break-in, convened an emergency meeting with Mayor Tom Straight and the town council.

During the meeting, Hunt raised concerns about the council’s previous discussions regarding auditing the department, which had been done without police oversight. Tensions were further heightened when it was suggested a council member had taken police keys.

When Hunt alleged that local government officials were involved in the break-in, the council decided to place him and the other officer on administrative leave. The department’s civilian secretary soon resigned in protest, leading the town to be left without any law enforcement at all.

This upheaval follows the recent resignation of Police Chief Zachary Freeburn, who left due to alleged systemic overreach and micromanagement by the new town council. His resignation letter detailed conflicts with council members regarding proposed changes in police policy which would require explicit approval from the council for nearly all police activities, a move Freeburn contended was against West Virginia law.

In his resignation letter, Freeburn apologized for his abrupt departure but emphasized it stemmed from legitimate concerns. He noted that during the first hour after the new council’s election, he had raised red flags about their plans for oversight of his department, which conflicted with state law.

“I suggested open discussions on potential changes, but was immediately shut down,” he wrote, recalling a council member’s directive to follow orders without question.

What Comes Next

With the collapse of the local police, the town is now facing both legal and operational challenges. Sergeant Hunt has indicated he will pursue whistleblower protection under state law to safeguard himself against potential retaliatory actions.

As the situation involves allegations of misconduct by council members, county officials may have conflicts of interest in investigating the matter. Therefore, the investigation will be handed over to the West Virginia State Police or an independent unit for a thorough review.

In the meantime, the Marion County Sheriff’s Department will take over all emergency and safety responsibilities in Barrackville, directing residents to contact 911 or the county tip line for assistance.

Looking ahead, the City Council faces pressing questions about the future of local law enforcement. There are significant logistical and financial challenges, and it’s uncertain whether they will try to establish a new police department or opt for long-term agreements with county authorities to streamline operations while cutting costs.