Public Safety Meeting - June 8, 2026

The City of Winston-Salem held a Public Safety meeting on June 8, 2026, focusing primarily on marijuana enforcement policies and a proposed youth curfew ordinance. The police department provided detailed statistics showing that 98% of marijuana possession cases resulted in citations rather than custodial arrests, emphasizing officer discretion in enforcement within the constraints of state law, which still classifies marijuana as illegal. Legal counsel clarified that the city lacks authority to decriminalize marijuana independently due to state statutes and the Dillon Rule. Council members expressed support for future state-level legalization and discussed the need for ongoing dialogue with city staff and the district attorney to explore potential reforms. The meeting also reviewed a youth protection safety ordinance modeled after Charlotte's curfew law, aimed at reducing juvenile crime and improving public safety. The ordinance includes specific curfew hours, exceptions, and enforcement provisions, with police resources allocated from existing staff. The council voted to move the curfew ordinance forward for consideration at the upcoming Monday meeting, reflecting a commitment to addressing public safety concerns through legislative measures.