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MCCOLL, S.C. (BFMG) — The McColl Police Department is without officers after its police chief and four remaining officers resigned, leaving the small town in Marlboro County grappling with a public safety crisis.
Police Chief Bob Hale and his team worked their last day on Friday. Hale attributed his decision to alleged harassment and personal attacks from a town council member, which he said created a “toxic work environment.”
“For months, I have endured unwarranted and malicious behavior aimed at undermining my integrity and leadership,” Hale wrote in a Facebook 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.”
Hale said efforts to address the issues professionally were unsuccessful, and he also alleged that budget cuts and unmet operational needs further jeopardized the department’s ability to serve according to WMBP.
“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,” Hale wrote.
Former McColl Investigator Courtney Bulusan echoed Hale’s concerns, noting that the department faced challenges due to a lack of essential tools and equipment.
“I was on my way to a call when [a patrol car] just stopped working. We need cars,” Bulusan said. She emphasized that her resignation was unrelated to the community, expressing hope that the town will take steps to ensure residents’ safety.
In the absence of a local police force, the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office will provide coverage for the town, according to McColl’s mayor. The mayor urged residents to “be on their best behavior” and demonstrate their ability to handle the situation, particularly during the holiday season.
Some residents, however, are concerned about the potential delay in law enforcement response times.
“Say if someone were stabbed or shot,” resident William Groom said. “Without police enforcement, they would have to come from the sheriff’s office in Bennettsville. We’re talking 10 or 15 minutes, and someone could possibly expire in that amount of time.”
The town has not announced a timeline for replacing its police officers.
