Kenly town attorney will investigate police allegations of 'toxic work environment'

Kenly Town Council has instructed the Town Attorney to oversee thorough investigations to determine the facts about the allegations of a hostile work environment and circumstances relating to the resignations of the Kenly police force and two clerks.

"The prudent course of action is to find out what happened and not make any rash decisions," wrote Alan Hewett, NCDRC Certified Superior Court Mediator in an update.

Police officers said in their resignation letters the work environment was "hostile" and "toxic," and that the new town manager Justine Jones had created an environment that didn't allow them to perform their duties.

Council held an emergency meeting to determine how to move forward and keep the town operational and citizens safe.

"The council is committed to ensuring that services will continue without disruption," wrote Hewett.

The update also reinforced that citizens' needs will continue being met during this time.

The town is left with three part-time officers to run the department, serving a population of about 2,000.

"Once the investigations are complete, council will convene and act accordingly based on the findings and conclusions," wrote Hewett.