Texas PD left with 1 active officer after officers resign, including police chief

By Joanna Putman
Police1

SURFSIDE BEACH, Texas — The Surfside Beach Police Department was reduced to one active officer this week after the rest of its force resigned, including the police chief, KHOU reported.

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On Aug. 12, the police chief and three officers resigned, followed by four more officers on Aug. 14, leaving only one active officer. That officer, Kelly Marsh, was promoted to interim police chief, according to the report.

In response, the city’s mayor announced that interviews for new officers would begin on Thursday. In the meantime, the Brazoria County Sheriff’s Office, the Texas Department of Public Safety and reserve officers will provide protection for the community, according to the report.

The department originally had 10 officers, nine of whom were active. Detective Robert Bosco, the only inactive officer, is on medical leave and plans to resign this week as well.

The resignations are reportedly linked to tensions between the Surfside Beach City Council and the police department. Officers cited backlash and harassment directed at the former police chief and the department after some residents, connected to council members, filed complaints when laws were enforced, according to the report.