BENNETTSVILLE, S.C. (WBTW) -- Former McColl Police Chief Bob Hale has returned to a familiar setting -- rejoining Bennettsville's force for the fourth time in his career days after his abrupt resignation. South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy records obtained by News13 show that Hale began his job on Monday. Hale and McColl's four other officers all stepped down Nov. 21. Hale, who was hired in June 2023, outlined his reasons for leaving in a lengthy Facebook post, citing "repeated acts of harassment" and "personal attacks" on his character by an unnamed member of the town's council. Hale also said a “significant amount of money was cut from our already depleted budget by the same Councilman upon his arrival to his elected position.” He said he repeatedly asked for funding to “modernize equipment, enhance training, and increase staffing levels” to no avail. As for the future of the McColl Police Department, Mayor George Garner said he has received some applications for the police chief position already. In the meantime, he said the Marlboro County Sheriff’s Office is required to help cover the town, though the sheriff’s office is also short-staffed. Garner said he thinks the problem will lead to longer response times for calls in the town. He said he has contacted the city of Bennettsville to get help but that the two municipalities do not currently have an agreement in place and that the city council would have to approve the request. Hale began his South Carolina law enforcement career in Bennettsville, working there from September 2007 through Jan. 31, 2015. He also was there from June 28, 2015 to April 22, 2016 and July 22, 2019 to June 15, 2023, according to state records.