A 25-year veteran of the Gwinnett County Police Department is set to take the reins of the department later this month.
Deputy Chief J.D. McClure will succeed Chief Brett West, who is scheduled to retired after 30 years with the county.
A statement from Gwinnett County government officials said McClure began his career as a police officer with Gwinnett County in 1996 and currently serves as deputy chief over the department’s Operations Bureau. Promoted to Lieutenant in September 2009, McClure previously served as Commander of the Criminal Investigations Division, Watch Commander in the Criminal Investigations Section and as the Commander of the Office of Professional Standards. Appointed to Major in September 2016, he served as the Central Precinct Commander and as the department’s Chief of Staff. Deputy Chief McClure was a dedicated member of the Special Weapons and Tactics Team for more than a decade, retiring as the Tactical Team Leader.
He will assume his duties as chief on Aug. 21, becoming the first African American to hold the post in Gwinnett County.
"I’m honored to have this opportunity to follow in the footsteps of Chief West and previous Gwinnett County police chiefs who have led with integrity and compassion," McClure said in a prepared statement. “The men and women of this agency are among the best in the country, and I’m grateful for the ongoing support of the board and our residents as we strive to prioritize professionalism and bring pride to our community.”
West said he is proud to pass the torch to McClure.
"I’ve been fortunate to serve with J.D. for many years,” said West. “Our department’s mission is to serve the community in an unbiased and compassionate manner to protect the lives and property of residents and improve the quality of life in our community. All I’ve learned about J.D. throughout our time serving side-by-side tells me he’s the right person to carry this department through its next chapter with that mission at heart.”
The Gwinnett County Police Department is the second largest police agency in Georgia with an authorized strength of 895 sworn officers, supported by 301 civilian employees.
The Gwinnett County Board of Commissioners is scheduled to ratify the employment agreement at its meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 17.
