SC police chief suspended without pay over "hit job" assessment, sues his boss and city council

A police chief is suing his boss and city council after the city administrator suspended him for a week without pay after an outside assessor issued a report on the police departmenmt. The chief called assessment a "hit job" his boss planned to use to get him fired.

[@chucknoyes8385]

I transplanted away from SC for lots reasons, but the corruption of small town government was one of many. How can you trust the law of the land when all the city employees are related and looking out for each other?

[@RipliWitani]

It's like that everywhere in the world. People are dumb and will do anything to prove it

[@SamLopezI]

Sounds like Utah. Everybody in public service is seemingly related.

[@jillw892]

I want to say great reporting. I hope that is what this is because this crime needs to be told to the public. The voters need to know. Thanks for posting

[@NomoreliesRC4]

They have a chief that knows the constitution and is willing to uphold it unlike the mayor. This is absolutely disgusting. If he had just licked the mayor’s boots, he wouldn’t have any worries. I’m sure he could have been a complete thug to citizens and the mayor and council would have had his back.

[@robertredbeard1855]

There is footage of him unlawfully detaining folks at a checkpoint in this video. He has zero care for the rights of the people he serves.

[@ctcanine]

He’s a crooked cop just like the rest of them

[@Taffy044]

@@robertredbeard1855please… doing his job. Speaking kindly …You’re digging deep… lol

[@robertredbeard1855]

@@Taffy044 Doesn't matter how soft he speaks. I am dead on target. Didn't even have to dig. It is not his job to hinder the free travel of his employers, without probable cause of a crime, to make revenue. How does it feel to be 100% incorrect?

[@Taffy044]

You’re preaching to the wrong choir…. Trust me!!!

[@johnkingery403]

This is the same city council that doesn't know what happened to Fed Covid money. I smell a rat.

[@alfee9411]

Lots of rats since 2020 all over the country

[@tacitus7408]

Same administrator also

[@francescoartusa9168]

When Mr. Jodi Barr comes a knocking, you better have your ducks in a row and not fumble the ball as the elected Mayor did. Sir, you sound like a bafoon and you are clearly being led around by your nose by your city administrator. This looks like Chief is not playing ball and is being penalized for it.

[@CLUB-th7pp]

Jody , why is it that local tv station reporters do not look into local political corruption n nepotism in a local level?? We all know it’s there but local news always shy on reporting !

[@lpattenaude1716]

This is a state and local news agency from my understanding

[@CLUB-th7pp]

@@lpattenaude1716 thanks for ur Brilliant observation

[@Mannard74]

Sounds like that town needs to CLEAN HOUSE and START OVER. Mayor, council members, all of em

[@evilborg]

City administrator got butt hurt then acted like a toddler

[@blacki4268]

Love watching these stories all the way from Toronto 🇨🇦

[@heroesandzeros7802]

This sounds like the city was breaking the Sunshine Law and this chief did not go along with it. This is what happens when you work for criminals, you become a criminal or you are fired.

[@ryanphillips4218]

Sounds about right for petty city councils that think of themselves as kings.

[@rxtf]

Investigate the administrator and mayor.

[@georgesmiley1474]

Kudos, one of the last real journalists.

[@NegativeROG]

CHIEF, quit before they can bring accusations against you, pack up and leave, get a job where you will be appreciated. Honest cops are valued everywhere, except Bennettsville. The truth will come out, it may just take forever. Sorry for your situation. Support from the Myrtle Beach area, Chief.

[@kenterry9396]

He is the sherriff should arrest the council.

[@larryg9001]

Dude. It’s Bennettsville. Get another job. Fighting corruption in small town SC is a losing game. Go get a job and work your way up in a reputable department. Not this one.

[@vivianpatton5692]

What is this Nation coming to when WE the ppl can't even have a honest Chief of police ? I'm sick of power hungry mayors who only serve themselves .

[@drewcereal7371]

insane. do these residents know how lucky they are to have this guy as chief?

[@nancismith7705]

There must be a town that has an honest city administration that needs a honest police chief!

[@cinemaipswich4636]

Giving public records to anyone? No wonder the "administrator" (a civil servant, not an elected official) is pissed. He doesn't want anything they know, say, or do to be shown to anyone. The letter has the date "on 19th of September 2024", this is how clueless this "administrator" is. Is it a prediction made with a crystal ball when it is only May 2024 now? The "assessment" is a public record, and can never be redacted if ANYONE asks for a copy. Otherwise it is a breach of the transparency of the Public Records Law. The administration can be sued by the media or anyone else.

[@jasonshults368]

So he was punished without evidence, even "framed." Turn-about is fair play, officer.

[@williammartin9357]

This police chef needs to be hired on another place he is awesome

[@derekgreenidge8036]

Great job, keep up the pressure

[@stolnpckup]

To me. The problem is not the chief. The problem is the upper people anove the chief.

[@boilerroombob]

Remember some bosses see it as saving and see politness as weakness.....take them to cleaners honest officer

[@jackmundo4043]

This man Simon has got to go. A bad man.

[@gilsongallego2328]

Sadly, this is the way it is in government. Play or pay.

[@Mexican_Marauder]

These electwd officials can be removed and prosecuted for misusing their position for personal gain. Which is what they did.

[@misstae3313]

You're welcomed in Texas and Florida!

[@mrhappy1245]

The citizens have the power, it's called voting

[@lifeofsui3864]

i mean its south carolina....can't go more than a few weeks at a time without getting a story putting SC law enforcement in a bad light.

[@josephclark7163]

This is why I like having a Sheriff vs a Police Chief. Elected vs appointed.

[@theturkish180]

Public officials should be forced to answer questions These are public officials on public time they owe us answers Unfortunately cops that step up and do the right thing face severe consequences from their so-called "brothers"

[@stayhigh412]

well you can damn well bet he will fired for flushing wipes.....lmao 🤣

[@rickbergstrom3859]

Sounds like that town needs some 1st Ammendment auditors, big time

[@gilmoremccoy6930]

Did the Chief violate the policy rules? If so then take your medicine. If not stand your ground!

[@creekwalker62]

Another day, another police chief. Smh.

[@MGower4465]

Sort of telling who is willing to talk in theboublic eye and who wants to hide behind closed doors.

[@hobgoblinhollow4966]

If you been a cop 23 years, that's at least 23 years of being a POS

[@timothyraz]

The 'good ole boys' at work.

[@Cotten-]

*_Corruption at its highest._*

[@alexanderphillips1101]

He got treated exactly how they treat the public,lies and intimidation

[@danlewis5592]

A cop being bullied and not liking it? I’m sure there’s a lot of citizens that would say they were bullied and the cops do nothing about it. The only thing I saw that was noble from the sheriff was telling people they can attend a public meeting. I’m on his side for that, but I disagree with setting up checkpoints on the streets of America. We’re supposed to be able to travel in this country unmolested.

[@BlackBlack-r1f]

Not all cops are b, Thank you good officer, Thank you and be safe!

[@yuccaken]

5 Starr ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Jody Barr.

[@ipecac5514]

Now that the shoe is on the other foot, it doesn't feel so good to be railroaded just like the police so often do to the citizenry, now does it Mr. Chief?

[@SaltyNationalist]

I'm pretty sure that Texas misses the hell out of you Jody.. Lol. But Lord all mighty, Bennettsville has some crooked ass city council members and judges, that's for sure.. And I'm glad I don't live there.. Seems to me like there should be quite a few people in Bennettsville that need to be looking for new jobs in a sector that doesn't require them to officiate over anyone in the public..

[@TrailHandBill]

8:01 Ask him how many bad cops had he arrested. That low bar of oath honoring they meet isn't worth discussing.

[@landonlang4672]

Well Well Well

[@GeorgeSweet]

They love executive sessions there lol

[@travislupum]

Also the p.i.o public information officer position exists to talk to the media and public even their own system doesn't trust them to speak the chief is well aware of this

[@lpattenaude1716]

Democrat run council would be my guess.

[@duanesealy3592]

Yea and the blacks are running it

[@woodsrdr]

It's small town politics and corruption. Every small town is like this. Local elitists control pretty much everything that goes on there.

[@johnadams-td3bu]

The city manager should have an internal investigation of themselves and punish themselves with 1. 14 days off with pay 2. A promotion with increase in pay 3. A new law saying that the city boss has the pull the records of law enforcement officers anytime. After all when the police do it it's ok How does it feel Paybacks a B!%@#

[@Taffy044]

Yep…. This is our country… lawlessness running wild. God help us!!

[@kimberlygolden8182]

The entire city admin needs jailed!

[@salvagemonster3612]

Ohhh seeing the mayor now I get it

[@frostyab7579]

"make improvements" = fire the white police chief and hire my sister in law "Shaniqua" in his place

[@TrailHandBill]

Don't feel sorry for him. At all. I appreciate what Jody does, but I don't feel sorry for this gang member. This family business. Let the gang members take care of their gang conflict.

[@KellyDekelaita]

Wow sounds like he was the onoy good cop left, now none

[@madmike8325]

Sounds like he pissed off the wrong person

[@KellyDekelaita]

That was the problem he troed b an honest cop

[@renettawilliams1921]

No SIMPATHY

[@puppybasket3906]

Refusing to violate citizen rights instead of blinding following orders of the city? A cop doing this? Of course he got fired! We need more citizen checks and balances on our government by the citizens

[@theturkish180]

Even though he saved the city from civil litigation

[@amytalbert4953]

There seems to be a lot of boucing the story from one person to another, with no one seeming to know anything that's going on. I've never seen people shake in their boots so before in my life! Get 'em Jody!

[@robertredbeard1855]

There is footage of him unlawfully detaining folks at a checkpoint in this video. He has zero care for the rights of the people he serves.

[@jimdennis9628]

​@@theturkish180 well..... he didn't really save the city from civil litigation, because he's suing them now, and rightfully so might I add.

[@johnwesley256]

Lawfare

[@climber950]

Looks like the city counsel is corrupt and the Chief won’t tolerate it. Kicking out the public from a public meeting, that’s unlawful in most states.

[@karllongan9535]

A chief that won't play the game with corrupt politicians, judges , and prosecutors. So surprising coming from South Carolina.

[@VTX00128]

There is good people out there in law enforcement like this Chief are rare ones are in a position of authority.

[@Eons381]

Yes there are good people in law enforcement but. I speak as some one who lives in SC in this state it is truly rare to find a public servant who will do what is truly morally right Even in the particular county I live in We have... ... ... 1. Corrupt judges (who will let those on their death beds be thrown from there homes on another's word) 2. Corrupt cops who (will know) from past encounters when a subject is lying and because of either who they personally know or are related to the cops run like cowards 3. Corrupt hiring standards (let me explain) I tried to get a law enforcement officer's job here in SC and I think one of the people who worked in the front lobby of the PD either was aware of who I was or my family ties so I didn't have any chance of getting hired and I applied almost 18 times 4. No oversight of how our police agencies are being both ran and how the standards are (if at all) being applied and or maintained In short any government officials here is SC really hate it when they're actions are brought into question on any level and ALL OF THE POLITICIANS hate not being able to abuse there authority against any other officials they see as both competitors and outright threats to there continued re elections. 6:11

[@PhilJLF]

I really hope this police chief gets justice

[@GerryMcglynn]

Ditto, but when the TYRANTS gets there teeth into you it's hard. Take care from IRELAND 🇮🇪 ❤️.

[@OttotheWatchdog]

Oh man, it's almost like this police officer is finally experiencing what it's like to be a regular person

[@annagarner1280]

Amen❤

[@CaptRohmer]

Run for sheriff in Rabun County (GA), I hear there’s an opening

[@sharthun2009]

Every person in the city administration that was asked for a comment and refused should be voted out next election.

[@judithmatthews8460]

That administrator is clearly corrupt. The chief investigated a judge’s relative dropped DUI charge and refused to indulge in cronyism. The mayor and council are running from accountability

[@timrobinson6573]

Jody is the best, Barr none.

[@CLUB-th7pp]

I see what ya did😂😂. Jody’s the man. BEST EVER!!

[@jrambo7495]

Jody is the Gold Standard when it comes to unbiased journalism!!

[@ctcanine]

Jodi Barr is what real journalists should inspire to be

[@jammasterjay]

OK…yeah, I’ll give you credit, that’s a phenomenal comment

[@irishamerican4558]

Never should a government council be allowed to convene behind closed doors. Furthermore they should be video/audio recorded and available to the general public for view at any time. Anything less is not transparency.

[@dwainmcwilliams2043]

When a person is King of a town about the size of the date on a dime, he/she can do as they dern well please. It's the old tale of the Big Fish in a small pond.

[@FrankEDogg]

This is the exact type of chief needed in every town across America. The citizens of this town should stand up to that corrupt city council and demand their resignations

[@gregkasza1925]

I’m sure he’s abused many citizens in his career.

[@VTX00128]

For what I'm seeing the chief is holding himself to a higher standard and honoring his oath of service to the letter of Law and being transparent about it.

[@Cobbi-19]

We finally have a cop doing the right thing, and this is what happens. Pathetic.

[@sgtpepperz25]

YEah the boss doesn't like when you investigate them....

[@Hoycelolland]

Government wonders why policing has such a bad reputation? This is why there are no good officers in policing. If you’re willing to be transparent and accountable to the people they will punish or get rid of you. Thank you Jody Barr.

[@howiwatchvideos]

The government doest wonder about that, they are the ones doing it. Do you know government means? Ridiculous this comment has any upvotes. It just shows how naive the public is.

[@RamBowMike]

NO POLICE encounter ever benefits the taxpayer! Taxpayers, families, spouses, teachers, and school children despise the police more than War, Hitler, Satan, and Sin..! CITIZENS DEMAND A PUBLIC NATIONAL REGISTRY OF CORRUPT FIRED HEROES! - USMC (Semper Fidelis) SGT E-5 (5811)

[@dannymccarty344]

​@@howiwatchvideos100%.

[@Hoycelolland]

wow someone’s opinion sure has triggered some of you. 😅😅😅😅

[@dannymccarty344]

@@Hoycelolland and ours triggered you. Your point?

[@Platoface]

Thank you Jody for being one of the few, like this police Chief, who has honor, morals and values. That has been lost in public life for a very long time.

[@marjadrolsbach]

Shout out to the chief

[@jenniferrobinson2000]

It's CRAZY

[@countbenjamin1442]

Any payouts need to come from the council and the administrator personally. They tried to do a hit job on the police chief and are getting exposed. The citizens shouldn't have to pay for their vendetta.

[@CristinaRodriguez-k1h]

Whenever a cop violates civil rights, unlawfully arrests someone, excessive force, and is sued. Guess what!!! The tax payer pays for it! Instead of the corrupt officer or officers!

[@duanesealy3592]

The citizens should be at the meetings demanding answers and election day vote everyone out

[@clarencewildes1747]

The citizens got what they voted for. I don’t have any problems for them paying for the behavior of their employees, just like any employer. You don’t want to be responsible for the costs, don’t vote for idiots. Don’t hire unqualified people. Don’t hire vindictive assholes. You get what you vote for.

[@nuvicamnewsnow8057]

Citizens should pay for professional chiefs of the police who hold their officers accountable not for mafia boss.

[@KushiteComplex]

So, cops should pay for their own misconduct lawsuits, as well aka goose/gander?

[@IBenZik]

Did he follow the constitution and his subordinates felt he was limiting their bullying?

[@5thlevelweb887]

It looks that way. This is why there are so few decent cops - the blue line us-vs-them system forces them out.

[@patl3443]

Apparently he's the unicorn we all want, a decent cop. City manager can't let that slide

[@happyinparis]

A police officer of 23 years who has no complaints is amazing. I wish he was the Chief of Police in my town. I hope the good people take a stand and get rid of these officials who show every sign of being corrupt.

[@rsisente]

Corruption at local levels, across the country, is out of control.

[@S.Waters.]

Maybe the chief needs to run for mayor in the next election. He truly sounds like a man of good character, morals, and integrity.

[@annagarner1280]

❤

[@iamherefortheshow699]

Wow, this is horrible. He is everything a Cheif should be honest, fair, and obeying the law. I hope he wins his case.

[@Lion-1.]

Jody Barr 👍💪

[@jmrevolt]

Every now and then we witness a good cop and we also witness what the system does to them.

[@imstevemcqueen]

Scummy 'Administrator' should be the one suspended.

[@larrywigmore1243]

This is outrageous. Seems when civil servants are bad and commit corruption they're praised for it and hardly disciplined for their actions. And this poor civil servant who is one of the few good officers we have is getting railroaded for doing thing by the books. Seems like they should be investigating the judge his family member the arresting officer and the board

[@mitchfitz4259]

Corruption City!!!!

[@supremerulah420]

The fact that they can't come out publicly and state why and all those redactions... How can one not assume corruption? Totally disgraceful.. 🤮

[@foetormaximusflatulencis7183]

You know how difficult is to find a decent cop let alone a great one????!!!!!! AND THEY WANT TO GET RID OF HIM !!!!!!! . This corrupted S.O.B'S. Jesus christ it makes my blood boil.

[@Robert_kuchar]

The facial expression on the mayor shows that he knows he messed up. Shame on these people for defaming this honest chief, God bless and protect him

[@55418und]

New administrator needs to be investigated completely.

[@TimM-wk1zx]

Ppl of that community BAND TOGETHER and vote out your corrupt administrators

[@DrSammyMunchkin]

#Simple 🎅

[@timkinley1779]

Wanting the fruits is why they have those positions. Wonder if they are corrupt or just want to flex their authority? When people get these positions they get the mindset of knowing things which turns to all-knowing. Leading to they know what is better for the city than others. They feel like the local government should blindly allow them to do what they want.

[@itscommonsense3128]

It was a hit jib because he didnt do what they wanted and instead upheld constitution rights for the public

[@mesmartgnome]

I don’t even live in SC but, definitely love watching some Jody Barr investigative reporting. Great reporter.

[@paullopez6620]

Sounds like the manager has a black law enforcement officer friend he wants in that position. Also looks like racism to me.

[@woodsrdr]

Nah. It's not that involved. They just want a Chief who will do as he's told without regard to actual law.

[@frogmantoad8110]

@@woodsrdrit’s clearly racism.

[@bobfell9760]

Small town corruption!! Stay on em, Jodi!!

[@geerowr.6666]

He will win the lawsuit. The got no cause. 2.9 my toucas. What a joke these politicians are. Too bad the settlement won't come out of their pockets. This interview helps the chief exponentially,

[@Donald-v8r]

Time for the State Attorney to come in clean out the administration

[@Ginger-g8j]

So he respected the citizens constitutional right to be in the public meeting and so therefore the council wants to get rid of him? So you’re telling me there’s an actual police chief who actually honors his oath to the Constitution?

[@cathymiller1845]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/l4nGZ4Ocg81lkNksi=_XuVDwIfKcFF1Wlv

[@jeremymills2626]

Absolute corruption in this town! Disgusting This sheriff should be in charge of everyone

[@hobbit321a]

Wow one of the few police departments that has few youtube videos about the police and he is under attack We need to call city hall and tell them to keep this man bennettsville sc police