Ware Shoals, S.C. – The town’s police department has taken the unusual step of pulling Assistant Police Chief Michael Polson from duty after just one year on the job. Sources familiar with the matter say the decision was driven, in part, by Polson’s role in bringing a 17‑year‑old female juvenile before the town’s municipal court on a criminal charge that state law requires to be routed to family court.
According to the same sources, the juvenile was arrested in connection with a widely publicized brawl at the local Burger King. Officer Bruce Gunter, who joined the department less than two months ago, filed the charge. Polson approved the incident report and personally presented evidence against the teen in municipal court. The judge dismissed the charge as soon as the court learned of the girl’s age, noting that the case should have been handled by the family‑court system.
Police Chief Tommy Clamp, who assumed the chief’s position only a month before Polson’s arrival, is also alleged to have been involved in the decision to pursue the municipal charge. Neither Clamp nor Polson responded to requests for comment, including whether Polson’s removal is a paid or unpaid suspension.
Polson’s tenure with the Ware Shoals Police Department follows a rapid series of moves through several county sheriff’s offices, including Laurens, Greenwood and McCormick counties, all within a few short years. The swift removal raises questions about departmental oversight and the proper handling of juvenile cases under South Carolina law.
Legal Context
South Carolina statutes direct that offenses involving minors be processed through the family‑court system, which is designed to address the unique needs of juveniles and prioritize rehabilitation over punitive measures. By bypassing this process, the department exposed itself to criticism from legal experts who stress the importance of adhering to statutory procedures.
While the charge was ultimately dismissed, the incident highlights the need for clear internal guidelines and training to ensure officers and supervisors understand the correct jurisdictional pathways for juvenile matters.
Community Reaction
Local residents expressed concern over the handling of the case, emphasizing the importance of protecting the rights of young people while maintaining public safety. Community leaders called for a transparent review of the department’s policies to prevent similar missteps in the future.
The town’s administration has not yet announced any formal policy changes, but sources indicate that an internal review is underway. The outcome of that review could shape how Ware Shoals law‑enforcement officials approach juvenile cases moving forward.
Original reporting: FITSNews — read the source article.
