SHIELDS OF SHAME | DOCUMENTED ACCOUNTABILITY INVESTIGATION
Two days suspended, a written warning, and a racial profiling complaint: What the records show about Richmond County deputy William McClure
What happens when a deputy’s personnel records show disciplinary action but his state certification record lists no sanctions? The answer begins with a distinction too often lost in conversations about police accountability: local discipline and state certification action are separate processes. Shields of Shame obtained disciplinary documents, a citizen complaint, an arrest activity report and a Georgia POST officer profile concerning William Richard McClure of the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office.
Important: The supplied arrest activity report lists arrests made by McClure, not arrests of McClure. A complaint is not a finding of misconduct. This report distinguishes allegations, agency findings and confirmed disciplinary actions.
What the records establish
2010: Four late arrivals and a two day suspension
A disciplinary report dated April 29, 2010 states that McClure missed the 5:45 a.m. roll call and arrived at 6:15 a.m., saying his alarm failed. The report identifies this as his fourth late arrival since July 18, 2009, and references earlier counseling and a written warning. The form records a two day suspension and referral to a suspension review board. This is documented discipline, not an accusation.
2021: Off duty assignment paperwork
A September 2021 form reports that McClure was assigned to an off duty security detail at 3054 Damascus Road on September 27, 2021, but had not submitted the required work calendar. The form identifies unsatisfactory performance and proposes a written warning, while advising that future violations could prompt additional discipline. The document should not be treated as proof of any more severe punishment.
2022: A racial profiling complaint ruled unfounded
Complaint control number 22-02-23 names McClure and other deputies in a February 16, 2022 traffic stop near Windsor Spring and Spirit Creek. The complainant alleged repeated stops and racial profiling associated with the vehicle and neighborhood. The complaint also reports deputies’ explanation that a license plate light was out and the driver failed to slow or move over for an emergency vehicle. The form’s disposition is unfounded. The allegations are presented as the complainant’s account, not established facts; the supplied form does not independently establish whether video, dispatch records or other evidence was reviewed.
Georgia POST: Good standing is not a spotless personnel file
A Georgia POST profile generated September 16, 2025 lists McClure as actively employed by the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office since April 10, 2004, with active basic law enforcement and jailer certifications, and no sanctions or investigations in the state profile. The same report documents canine, firearms, supervisory and other training. Those state entries do not negate the separately documented agency disciplinary records.
What the arrest report does and does not prove
The 12 page Richmond County report titled Adult Arrests By Officer lists McClure as an arresting officer across a date range ending September 13, 2025. Its charges describe people arrested during his assignments, not criminal charges against McClure. Entries alone do not show convictions, dismissals, legality of individual stops or disciplinary violations. Those questions require case reports, court dockets, body camera and other records.
The broader accountability question
Richmond County’s handling of deputy misconduct has faced wider public scrutiny. The Augusta Chronicle reported that former Sheriff Richard Roundtree received disciplinary action on multiple occasions, while local reporting has described arrests and personnel issues involving deputies during his administration. These are broader institutional issues and do not establish wrongdoing by McClure beyond his individual records.
For citizens, the practical lesson is simple: request both Georgia POST history and the sheriff’s local disciplinary and complaint files. Neither source by itself necessarily tells the complete story.
Examine the original records
Every document opens in a new tab. The original records are provided so readers can check the findings for themselves.
Georgia POST profile and training ↗Arrests made by officer report ↗2010 discipline and suspension ↗2021 written warning form ↗2022 citizen complaint ↗
Related reporting and official resources
WRDW investigation: Deputies with criminal charges ↗
Augusta Chronicle: Sheriff candidates and disciplinary records ↗
Richmond County Sheriff’s Office Internal Affairs complaint process ↗
What should be requested next?
Further records worth seeking include the complete 2022 complaint investigation and disposition letter, body camera and dash camera recordings, CAD and radio traffic, supervisor notes, documentation confirming the final outcome of the 2021 warning, and any subsequent disciplinary or certification updates. Shields of Shame welcomes documentary corrections and responses from the individuals and agencies named.
Editorial note: This article is based on records available for review. It does not assert criminal wrongdoing by McClure. An agency finding of unfounded is reported as such. Updates should identify the date and supporting source.