7 Major Updates You Need To Know About The Forsyth County North Carolina Sheriff's Department In 2025
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office (FCSO) in North Carolina continues to be a central pillar of public safety and community engagement, operating under a mandate to protect and serve the county's nearly 380,000 residents. As of today, December 22, 2025, the department is actively implementing significant new state legislation and expanding its community outreach, marking a year of critical policy shifts and operational reforms aimed at modernizing law enforcement and enhancing public trust. The FCSO’s commitment to proactive policing and transparent governance is evident in its recent actions, from preparing for the impact of "Iryna's Law" to strengthening its youth and violence prevention programs.
This deep dive provides the most current, essential information on the Forsyth County Sheriff's Department, focusing on the leadership, structure, and major initiatives that are defining its role in the Winston-Salem metropolitan area and beyond. Understanding these key updates offers a crucial perspective on the future of law enforcement in the region.
Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr.: Biography and Leadership Profile
Sheriff Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr. is a figure of historical significance in Forsyth County, currently serving in his second groundbreaking term as the first African American elected Sheriff of the county.
- Full Name: Bobby F. Kimbrough, Jr.
- Current Role: Sheriff of Forsyth County, North Carolina.
- Historical Note: First African American elected to the office of Forsyth County Sheriff.
- Hometown: Born and raised in Forsyth County.
- Career Start: Began his law enforcement career in 1984 as a Police Officer for the Winston-Salem Police Department.
- Early Career: In 1987, he transitioned to an Arson Investigator role, demonstrating a commitment to complex investigative work early on.
- Current Initiatives: Sheriff Kimbrough is known for his focus on community-oriented policing, youth engagement, and advocating for legislative changes at the state level. He was recently appointed to the Governor's Crime Commission for 2025, highlighting his influence on statewide public safety policy.
His leadership philosophy centers on bridging the gap between law enforcement and the community, a mission he drives through various outreach and prevention programs.
The Organizational Structure: Bureaus and Key Divisions
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office is organized into several key bureaus, each responsible for a distinct area of law enforcement and county service. This structure ensures comprehensive coverage across patrol, investigations, and detention services, providing topical authority over the county’s complex public safety needs.
Enforcement Services Bureau
This bureau is the frontline of the FCSO, responsible for general patrol duties, traffic enforcement, and immediate response to emergency calls throughout the non-municipal areas of Forsyth County. The Patrol Section is the most visible unit, working to deter crime and maintain order 24/7. It also includes specialized units focused on high-visibility crime prevention.
Investigative Services Bureau (ISB)
The ISB handles the follow-up and in-depth investigation of major crimes. This bureau includes detectives specializing in various areas such as homicide, financial crimes, property crimes, and narcotics. Their mission is to secure convictions and bring complex cases to resolution, working closely with the District Attorney's office.
Detention and Judicial Services
This division manages the operations of the Forsyth County Detention Center (the county jail). It is responsible for the secure and humane housing of inmates, as well as managing courthouse security and the transportation of detainees. The center has seen administrative changes, including the retirement of personnel like Detention Sergeant Duane Wilson in 2025.
City-County Forensic Services Division
In a unique partnership, the FCSO manages a joint City-County Forensic Services Division, which is critical for crime scene processing, evidence analysis, and providing expert testimony in court. This collaboration enhances the investigative capabilities for both the Sheriff's Office and the Winston-Salem Police Department.
Critical 2025 Initiatives and Policy Updates
The year 2025 has been marked by several significant developments and proactive initiatives from the Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office, reflecting both state-level legislative changes and local community needs.
1. Preparing for "Iryna's Law" Impact
One of the most pressing current issues is the implementation of the new state legislation known as "Iryna's Law." The FCSO is actively urging residents to prepare for the major changes this law will bring, particularly its significant limitations on pretrial release options. This policy shift is expected to have a substantial impact on the county's judicial system and detention center operations, requiring a major administrative and procedural overhaul by the Sheriff’s Office.
2. Gun and Gang Violence Prevention Focus
As part of the county's ongoing Recovery Plan, the Sheriff’s Office has prioritized initiatives focused on Gun and Gang Violence Prevention. This involves targeted enforcement, as well as collaborative efforts with juvenile services to address the root causes of violence and provide intervention. This work is central to the department’s community safety strategy.
3. Elevated Scam Awareness Campaigns
In response to a rise in sophisticated criminal activity, Sheriff Kimbrough has been prominent in warning citizens about an increase in phone scams. These public awareness campaigns are a critical part of the department’s crime prevention efforts, educating vulnerable populations and ensuring they are alert to criminals who often use the names of local authorities to run their schemes.
4. Launch of New Pilot Programs and State Involvement
Sheriff Kimbrough highlighted a new pilot program in the December 2025 Law Enforcement Leaders newsletter, demonstrating the FCSO’s commitment to innovative policing strategies. Furthermore, his appointment to Governor Josh Stein's Crime Commission signifies the department's role in shaping statewide policy, including discussions on key issues like gun violence and law enforcement funding.
5. Expanding Youth and Community Outreach
The FCSO continues to invest heavily in community partnerships. Notable current programs include:
- Holiday Hope 2025: An annual giving initiative focused on providing coats and food to keep the community warm and fed during the winter months.
- YMCA Partnership: A five-year program created in conjunction with the YMCA and other local partners to engage young people in daily activities, diverting their attention from potential criminal involvement.
- Problem-Oriented Policing: The department’s Volunteer Unit is closely connected to its community outreach, helping to implement strategies that focus on preventing and reducing specific, recurring crime problems.
The Forsyth County Sheriff’s Office operates with a dual focus: maintaining a robust enforcement presence while aggressively pursuing community-based solutions to crime. The policy changes and initiatives of 2025, particularly the preparation for Iryna's Law and the continued investment in youth programs, solidify the FCSO's position at the forefront of modern North Carolina law enforcement.
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