Five police officers resign from Isle of Palms Police Department

ISLE OF PALMS, SC (WCSC) - Five officers have left the Isle of Palms police force, city officials confirmed Friday.

The resignations have happened over the last two months.

The police department is supposed to have 22 sworn officers. That number is down to 19 after three cops resigned.

City officials say two animal control officers, one full time and one part time also have left the force.

"I just want to know the reason why, and that seems odd obviously," Isle of Palms resident Terri Dodenhoff said.

“It depends on why we lost them,” resident Tom McBride SAID.

Isle of Palms interim City Administrator Desiree Fragoso says most of the officers left for specialized opportunities in other departments.

Fragoso says some want to work in SWAT or in K-9 units. Some folks who live on the island are concerned.

“Yes, a little bit it does. I like to have protection,” Fred Trombino said.

Fragoso says there’s a plan in place to cover the shortage of officers. She says two officers from the city’s livability unit will be used to help with patrols.

Several folks we spoke with had this question.

“I’m wondering if they’re going to recruit some other officers to replace them,”Adrienne Love said.

Fragoso says the city will hire new officers sometime after the first of the year. She says the city will take a close look at the police department to determine if pay or leadership issues had anything to do with the resignations.

Even with the officer shortage, folks who live on the Isle of Palms still feel safe.

"This is one of the safest places in the world, Isle of Palms," Trombolino said.

Fragoso says the city is thankful that this is a slow time of the year on the Isle of Palms, so they don’t anticipate any spike in crime.

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