The South Carolina town of McColl faces a security crisis after its entire police force resigned, leaving residents without local law enforcement. Police Chief Bob Hale led the mass exodus, citing an untenable workplace environment.
Hale’s detailed public statement outlined significant challenges within local government, including alleged harassment and systematic budget cuts that prevented critical department improvements. The chief argued that essential equipment modernization and staff training were consistently neglected.
Mayor George Garner acknowledged the complex situation, immediately activating emergency response protocols. The Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office and South Carolina State Law Enforcement Division have been enlisted to provide interim community protection.
Local resident William Groom expressed serious concerns about potential emergency response times. With backup potentially requiring 10-15 minutes to arrive, residents worry about potential risks during critical incidents.
The town has initiated a comprehensive hiring process for a new police chief, with application materials available at McColl Town Hall. This situation mirrors recent incidents in other small communities, revealing broader challenges facing local law enforcement agencies.
