Entire full-time police force resigns in Georgia city
Mayor Craig Timmons admitted to tracking the police chief's vehicle due to concerns regarding recorded working hours.
The entire full-time police force of Milner, a small city in Georgia, has resigned, according to a report by the Times of India. The mass departure, which includes Police Chief Lamar Bunn and five full-time officers, is set to take effect on October 28.
Mayor Craig Timmons confirmed he placed a GPS tracking device on the vehicle used by Bunn and installed a surveillance camera near a car wash pointing towards City Hall. Timmons stated these actions were taken because he had concerns regarding Bunn's timesheets, which require the mayor's signature, and he wanted to verify if the chief was accurately accounting for his working hours.
Bunn denied any wrongdoing, stating his responsibilities as chief are not restricted to the police station or city limits. He said he handles administrative duties remotely and that his work continues beyond regular office hours. Assistant Chief Chris Landers also defended the department, noting it is common for officers to work outside the city.
A resignation letter cited concerns regarding the decision-making of the mayor and certain city council members. One officer also pointed to restrictions on off-duty jobs as a possible factor, though Timmons claimed there had been a miscommunication and no such order was issued.
Lamar County Sheriff Brad White said his deputies will continue responding to calls in the city. He noted that if the absence of a local department continues, Milner will need a formal arrangement with the sheriff's office for services.
City Manager Tausha Grose also resigned shortly after the police department's departure. Timmons said he remains confident the city can rebuild the department and has already received unsolicited applications for police and city manager positions.