Old North News

Almost every officer in the Kenly, North Carolina, Police Department has given notice that they no longer want to wear the blue uniform in Kenly.

“I have put in my two weeks’ notice, along with the whole police department,” Police Chief Josh Gibson said, according to Yahoo! News. “The new (city) manager has created an environment (in which) I do not feel we can perform our duties and services to the community.” 

The department has four full-time officers besides Gibson. The town’s utility clerk and assistant manager also simultaneously turned in their resignations. 

Justine Jones, who was hired as city manager less than two months ago, is cited as the reason for the resignations, with officers describing the recent work environment as “toxic” and “hostile," though scant details about those claims have been made public.

Some town residents have speculated that this might be a race issue, pointing out the the police officers who have tendered their resignations are white, while Jones is black, according to Yahoo! News.

Gibson mentioned a staffing shortage as one of the challenges that led to his resignation. 

Regardless of the reasons behind it, the walkout has town leaders in a challenging position.

“I’ve seen resignations from politicians and mayors and the council members,” Kenly’s Town Attorney Chip Hewett told Yahoo! News. “I have seen employees resign. I’ve never seen a resignation where it’s an entire department.” 

While the town sorts out the situation, the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office will be the main unit to respond to calls in Kenly. 

Town leaders, including Mayor Herbert Louis “Tooie” Hales, called an emergency town meeting for Friday night, but CBS17.com reported that no action resulted from it.

Unless the city comes up with a workable solution, the resignations will take effect next week.