Mount Pleasant Police Department terminated two officers and eight others resigned following an internal investigation into alleged cheating on South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy examinations, Chief Mark Arnold announced Friday.

The investigation centered on allegations that 10 officers compromised the integrity of mandatory state certification tests required for law enforcement personnel. Arnold said the department launched the probe after receiving information about potential academic misconduct.

“The Mount Pleasant Police Department holds its officers to the highest standards of integrity and professionalism,” Arnold said in a written statement. “When allegations of misconduct came to our attention, we immediately began a thorough internal investigation.”

The South Carolina Criminal Justice Academy requires all law enforcement officers to pass standardized examinations covering state law, constitutional rights, and police procedures. Officers must maintain current certifications to remain eligible for duty.

Arnold did not specify which examinations were involved or detail the alleged cheating methods. The department’s internal affairs division conducted the investigation over several weeks before reaching conclusions that led to the personnel actions.

The two terminated officers were dismissed for cause, according to Arnold’s statement. The eight who resigned did so during the investigation process, though Arnold declined to elaborate on whether the resignations were voluntary or occurred under pressure.

Mount Pleasant employs approximately 140 sworn officers serving the town’s 94,000 residents. The loss of 10 officers represents roughly 7 percent of the department’s sworn personnel.

“We are committed to maintaining public trust through accountability and transparency,” Arnold said. “These actions demonstrate our unwillingness to compromise on ethical standards.”

The personnel changes come as Mount Pleasant continues expanding its police force to match rapid population growth. The town has added more than 20,000 residents since 2010, stretching municipal services including law enforcement.

Similar politics and government scandals have affected Charleston-area departments in recent years. North Charleston police faced federal oversight following the 2015 shooting death of Walter Scott, while Charleston County Sheriff’s Office dealt with corruption investigations involving former deputies.

State law enforcement officials confirmed they are reviewing the Mount Pleasant case but declined to comment on potential criminal charges related to the alleged cheating. The South Carolina Law Enforcement Division typically investigates cases involving police misconduct.

The Criminal Justice Academy also launched its own review of the allegations, according to agency spokeswoman Sarah Mitchell. The academy has authority to revoke certifications and ban officers from law enforcement careers statewide.

“We take any allegations of compromise to our testing procedures very seriously,” Mitchell said. “Our examinations are designed to ensure officers have the knowledge necessary to serve their communities safely and legally.”

Mount Pleasant Town Council members were briefed on the investigation’s findings during a closed executive session Tuesday. Mayor Will Haynie declined to comment on personnel matters but expressed confidence in Arnold’s leadership.

“Chief Arnold has our full support in maintaining the highest standards for our police department,” Haynie said. “Public safety remains our top priority, and we will not tolerate actions that undermine community trust.”

The department plans to accelerate recruitment efforts to fill the vacant positions. Mount Pleasant typically conducts two police academy classes annually but may add a third session to address staffing needs.

Starting salaries for Mount Pleasant police officers range from $45,000 to $52,000 annually, with additional benefits including health insurance and retirement contributions. The department competes with Charleston and North Charleston for qualified candidates in a tight regional job market.

Arnold, who has served as chief since 2019, previously worked 25 years with Charleston Police Department before taking the Mount Pleasant position. He implemented new training protocols and community policing initiatives during his tenure.

The investigation’s findings will be forwarded to the Charleston County Solicitor’s Office for review of potential criminal charges, though prosecutors typically focus on cases involving public corruption rather than academic misconduct.

Mount Pleasant police have not experienced major scandals during Arnold’s leadership, maintaining relatively positive community relations compared to some regional departments. The town’s crime rates remain below state and national averages.

The department operates five patrol zones covering Mount Pleasant’s 64 square miles, including Old Village historic areas and newer developments near Interstate 526. Officers also patrol town beaches and the Arthur Ravenel Jr. Bridge approach.

Community leaders expressed disappointment over the allegations but praised Arnold’s swift response to the investigation’s findings.

“While we’re troubled by these allegations, we appreciate the chief’s commitment to accountability,” said Mount Pleasant Citizens Advisory Committee chairman Robert Thompson. “This demonstrates the department’s integrity in policing its own ranks.”

The department will release additional details about the investigation’s timeline and findings following completion of state reviews, Arnold said. No current officers face allegations related to the cheating probe.

Mount Pleasant plans to hire replacement officers through its next academy class beginning in March. The department requires all new hires to complete 12 weeks of basic law enforcement training before beginning patrol duties.