Winston-Salem Police Use of Force Rules

Public Safety North Carolina 4 Minutes Read ยท published February 10, 2026 Flag of North Carolina

This guide explains police use-of-force rules in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, including the legal authority, oversight pathways, and how members of the public can report or appeal incidents. It summarizes what official local sources state about when force may be used, the bodies that review conduct, and the practical steps to file complaints or seek review. It is intended to help residents, community groups, and legal advisors understand local procedures and where to find official rules and contact points.

Legal Authority & Policy Sources

Police use-of-force in Winston-Salem is governed by department policy and applicable provisions in the City code and state law. The city code sets municipal powers and local rules; department policies implement operational standards. For specific ordinance text see the municipal code. [1]

Penalties & Enforcement

Enforcement for improper use of force may include internal discipline, criminal charges, and civil litigation. Specific fine amounts are not a typical sanction for officer misconduct in the municipal code and are not specified on the cited page. [1]

  • Enforcer: Winston-Salem Police Department Professional Standards / Internal Affairs for internal reviews; criminal investigations are handled by the district attorney or state law enforcement as appropriate.
  • Sanctions: administrative actions, suspension, termination, required retraining, or supervisory corrective orders; monetary fines for officers are not specified on the cited municipal page.
  • Criminal process: potential criminal charges are handled by the Forsyth County District Attorney or State agencies when applicable; timing and charges are governed by state prosecutorial rules and are not specified on the cited municipal code.
  • Escalation: the municipal code does not list a schedule of escalating fines or penalties for officer use-of-force; discipline procedures are typically set by department policy and collective-bargaining agreements and are not specified on the cited page. [1]
  • Common violations: improper use of restraint, excessive force against a detainee, failure to follow de-escalation policy; associated administrative sanctions or referrals for criminal investigation may follow internal review.
Internal investigations can result in discipline even when no criminal charge is filed.

Applications & Forms

The city does not publish a special permit or form specifically for use-of-force incidents; complaint intake is handled through the Police Department complaint process and general complaint forms or portals where available. For specific submission options see the official complaint page. [2]

Reporting, Complaints & Appeals

To report an incident: file a complaint with the Winston-Salem Police Department Professional Standards/ Internal Affairs or use the official complaint intake procedures listed by the city. [2] Complaints may be accepted in person, by mail, or through an online portal where provided. Criminal allegations may be referred to the Forsyth County District Attorney or state investigators.

  • How to report: contact the Police Department records or Professional Standards unit directly via the city complaint page and follow the published steps.
  • Time limits: specific filing deadlines for administrative complaints are not specified on the cited municipal page; for criminal matters, state statutes of limitations apply and are set by state law.
  • Appeals: appeal or review of internal discipline is governed by department policy or collective-bargaining procedures; time limits for appeals are set in those documents and are not specified on the cited municipal code.
If you believe a crime occurred, request that the matter be referred for criminal investigation.

FAQ

Can I file a complaint about police use of force?
Yes. File with the Winston-Salem Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs or through the city complaint procedures listed on the official page. [2]
Will the officer be fined?
The municipal code does not specify officer fines for use-of-force incidents; discipline typically uses internal corrective measures or criminal charges where applicable. [1]
How long does an investigation take?
Investigation length varies; the municipal code and published department pages do not specify a single standard duration for completion of internal investigations. [1]

How-To

  1. Document the incident: note date, time, location, officer badge numbers, witness names, and preserve any photos or videos.
  2. Contact the department: use the official city complaint page or call the Police Department to request how to submit a formal complaint.
  3. Submit evidence: provide copies of photos, video, or witness statements to the Professional Standards unit.
  4. Follow up: request a tracking number or case identifier and ask about appeal/review rights if you disagree with the outcome.
Retain all records and timestamps to support any subsequent legal or administrative review.

Key Takeaways

  • Winston-Salem relies on department policy plus municipal and state law to govern police use of force.
  • Internal discipline, criminal referral, and civil suits are the primary enforcement routes; specific fines are not specified in the municipal code. [1]
  • Report incidents through the Police Department Professional Standards/Internal Affairs using the official complaint process. [2]

Help and Support / Resources

  1. [1] City of Winston-Salem Code of Ordinances - Municipal Code
  2. [2] City of Winston-Salem - How to file a police complaint

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