You have probably never heard of an entire police force quitting at once. It reportedly happened in Milner, Georgia. And not for a typical reason that you might think, like a heated contract dispute or the rank-and-file wanting better pay or benefits. According to WSB-TV, the community's whole force of full-time cops, plus the chief, Lamar Bunn, along with City Administrator Tausha Grose, are all supposedly headed out the door by the end of October. Most of Milner's reserve officers - they work on a volunteer basis - are exiting, too.
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A Tracking Device Is Allegedly at the Heart of the Controversy
What is going on there? Per the outlet, one resignation letter "cited concerns about the 'judgment and decision-making of the Mayor and certain members of the City Council concerning the Police Department.'" That officer allegedly mentioned concerns about Mayor Craig Timmons allegedly taking money out of his own pocket to place a tracking device on Chief Lamar Bunn's truck.
Bunn evidently looked into the legality of Timmons allegedly doing that. In fact, Timmons reportedly asked Bunn to hand the device over to him with multiple witnesses present. Per the outlet, Bunn does not object to the device as long as it's done appropriately and in accordance with the law.
However, at a recent City Council meeting, a person asked if Timmons had placed a tracking device on the chief's vehicle. He reportedly said, "I have no comment." Therefore, the air of mystery deepened.
Chief Bunn Still Apparently Has Strong Feelings for Milner
The chief still cares about Milner despite the ongoing issues that caused him nd his officers to step down. According to the outlet, "Despite his resignation, Bunn said he loves the community and would like to see the city move forward." He seems to be keeping an open mind, at least to a degree. When questioned about rethinking his resignation if the situation changed, he allegedly replied that "he believes people can be reasonable and work things out." So there is still a glimmer of hope and optimism.
What will happen next in Milner is anyone's guess. It seems that these people are taking a stand on principle and it clearly means a lot to them.
