WS Chronicle

News Brief

The Winston-Salem Chronicle

Members of the Winston-Salem City Council are scheduled tonight to consider an ordinance that would update long-standing police complaint procedures, a move city leaders say is designed to make filing complaints against police employees more accessible while reinforcing transparency and community oversight. 

If adopted, the proposed changes to City Code Section 2-108 would allow residents to submit complaints against Winston-Salem Police Department (WSPD) employees not only through internal channels but also more broadly — including directly to the Police Department, through the City Clerk’s Office, or online via the city’s website — instead of being limited to the Professional Standards Division. 

City officials and staff who developed the changes describe the updates as a way to “improve how citizen complaints against Police Department employees are submitted and investigated” by expanding accessibility without sacrificing accountability. 

The ordinance also maintains that all complaints would continue to be investigated by the Police Department’s Professional Standards Division, and requires that complainants be informed of investigative results and retain the right to appeal to the Citizens’ Police Review Board. 

Council’s Public Safety Committee approved the measure in a unanimous vote earlier this month, signaling broad support ahead of tonight’s full Council discussion. 

Included as an exhibit with the proposal is an updated Citizen Police Review Board pamphlet outlining how the review board functions, including procedural steps for filing and appealing complaints. 

Advocates for community oversight have long pointed to barriers in the complaint process as factors that discourage residents from reporting concerns. In addition to easier filing options, supporters say clearer public information helps demystify the path from complaint to resolution.

The discussion comes amid ongoing national and local conversations about police accountability. Supporters say the changes better align Winston-Salem’s processes with community expectations for access and transparency.

City Council is expected to take up the ordinance for first reading tonight as part of its regular meeting agenda. If approved, the changes could take effect in the coming weeks as departments update policies and informational materials. Residents interested in the discussion can view the meeting agenda online or attend in person at City Hall.