Chief J. Winder Bryan began his tenure as Chief of Police for Raleigh in September of 1924 by going on a tour of other police forces, both in North Carolina and in nearby states.  After Chief Glenn’s resignation, but before Chief Bryan was formally chosen to be the next Chief, there were rumors that his appointment would lead to an overhaul of the police department, with some speculating that the entire force would be asked for their resignations, and only some rehired.  Drastic changes did not come quickly, however, despite fears.  Although the first resignation requested by Chief Bryan came soon, on September 10, 1924 (he stated that the patrolman was not “fitted for the police department), more change would come at a slower pace.”  It wasn’t until September of 1925 that three more officers were asked to resign. 
Chief Bryan formed a traffic squad, dedicated to controlling traffic from street corners in downtown Raleigh.  The squad consisted of five men, one stationed at each of four problematic corners, and the last serving as their relief as needed.  Two weeks later, the chief announced that he was moving some patrolmen to the detective division, but keeping their names secret in order to help their undercover work.  He also hired a new desk sergeant, as the previous one had become city court officer.  One patrolman, R. C. Pool, was made a mounted officer.  Chief Bryan instituted daily inspections of the men and of police equipment, and brought in army officers to instruct the police in discipline.  He requested judges instruct officers in law and arrest procedures.  The police department was also outfitted with more vehicles – one to be on standby at the station, and two more to be used by detectives.
In 1925, the budget for the Raleigh Police Department called for a policewoman for the first time.  This was not a uniformed officer position, but rather a combination of social worker and probation officer for female offenders.  Anna Lewis was the first to fill this position, beginning in November of 1925.
During this time, the police force was also embroiled in a number of allegations of corruption and other scandals.  In February of 1925, a local attorney alleged in open court that the Chief and the six most recently-hired officers were members of the Ku Klux Klan.  Chief Bryan called the allegations “untruths and mis-statements,” and had the six officers sign affidavits that they were not members.  The Chief, however, did not sign one, refusing to “satisfy Mr. Bailey’s curiosity.” One detective, Joe Wiggins, did testify that he was a member of the Klan.  Wiggins resigned the following month, possibly to go into the insurance business.  A grand jury investigation was conducted to look into the attorney's allegations, with the members finding no evidence to support the allegations.
In May of 1927, a State college student wrote a feature for the school newspaper claiming that a police officer had been selling whiskey to “a very prominent citizen.”  A grand jury investigation of the allegations was conducted.  Four policemen were indicted as a result (although they continued in their duties).  With the college student as the only witness for the prosecution, all four officers were cleared of charges in July.  More allegations were made in 1930, by the owner of a filling station, that some officers were paid off to ignore illegal liquor at his business.
Chief Bryan also started the first Arson Squad in North Carolina in 1927, upon the advice of a representative for the National Fire Underwriter’s Association.  The squad was comprised of four officers.  Under Chief Bryan, improvements were also made in the station and in police equipment.  In August of the 1927, sirens were first added to Raleigh police cars.   Two years later, the police would purchase tear gas guns, with the idea that they would help stop riots.  
Chief Bryan resigned in May of 1931, when a new Commissioner of Public Safety was voted into office.  He took a job with the Department of Revenue.
By 1941, J. Winder Bryan was working as the director of the State Prison Board of Identification.  In the same year, he was elected as both the head of the North Carolina division of the International Association for Identification and the president of the Wake County Law Enforcement Officers Association.  He returned to being Chief of Police in May of 1941, even as Chief Al Young’s “indefinite leave” continued, fueling speculation about what would happen when Young returned from military duty. Less than a month after he was sworn in, Chief Bryan began making changes in the department.  He promoted three officers, demoted one, and appointed a secretary for himself, who would also serve as records keeper for the detective division. By the end of the month, the demoted officer had resigned, another officer was dismissed for intoxication, and both had been replaced.  Chief Bryan had also requested that the department be expanded by twelve men.
World War II brought increased focus on vice in Raleigh, as soldiers from Fort Bragg visited the city.  The war also brought renewed interest in stealing tires due to rubber rationing.  Throughout 1941 and 1942, Chief Bryan and State Health Officer Dr. Carl Reynolds found themselves at odds, as Dr. Reynolds accused Chief Bryan and the police of not doing enough to curb the spread of venereal disease by cracking down on prostitution.  This escalated into Dr. Reynolds accusing two long-time officers of renting houses to prostitutes in a statement made in June of 1942.  The two officers in question submitted affidavits declaring they had done no such thing, and relating the history of the properties in question.
J. Winder Bryan resigned from the police for the second time in July of 1945 in order to become the chairman of the Wake County ABC Board. He remained in that position until 1953.  John Winder Bryan died in February of 1968, in Raleigh.