September 4, 2024
Greetings,
September marks the end of summer and the start of a new school year. We are excited about the continued growth of our School Resource Officer and Marshal Program. The Medford Police Department has enjoyed a long-standing partnership with the 549c School District, where this collaboration continues to strengthen our connection. MPD kicked off our Marshal Program in the 2023-2024 school year. Our Marshals are plain clothes police officers embedded in Medford School District Elementary Schools to provide an extra set of “security eyes” on campus. We continue to hire officers to fulfill this role.
We are incredibly proud of the work of our officers are doing within the schools. The safety and security of our students is paramount. We cannot track the near misses and the immense impact our officers have made and continue to make as they connect with school staff, students, and parents each year. We thank these Officers and Marshals for their efforts and for the continued support of our community.
Lets Get to Know Our School Resource Officers
SRO Arturo Vega: 541-842-3919
North Medford High School, MSD Special Education Building, Kennedy Elementary, Abe Lincoln Elementary, Kids Unlimited Academy
SRO Mike Jackson: 541-842-1390
McLoughlin Middle School, Howard Elementary, Jackson Elementary, Wilson Elementary, Logos Public Charter School
SRO Ian McDonald: 541-842-1274
Hedrick Middle School, Roosevelt Elementary, Hoover Elementary, Lone Pine Elementary, Valley School
SRO Josh Marshall: 541-842-1390
South Medford High School, Griffin Creek Elementary, Ruch Outdoor Community, Jacksonville Elementary, Washington Elementary
SRO Dan Ashworth: Daniel.Ashworth@medford.k12.or.us
Oakdale Middle School, Innovation Academy, Orchard Hill Elementary, Oak Grove Elementary, Jefferson Elementary, Innovation Academy, and Medford Online Academy
SRO Supervisor - Sgt. Steve Furst: 541-774-2203, Steve.Furst@cityofmedford.org
Additionally, with school back in session, here is your friendly reminder to watch your speed while driving and SLOW DOWN in posted school zones. Speed continues to be the biggest factor in serious injury and fatal crashes in Oregon and nationwide. Drive carefully, drive slowly, and be mindful of pedestrian and bicycle traffic.
Lieutenant Pietila
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 Important Reminders for School Speed Zones
As the 2024/2025 school year begins, we want to remind everyone about the importance of adhering to speed limits in school zones. The speed limit in school zones is 20 MPH, this ensures the safety of children, pedestrians, and school staff. Please be aware that the penalty for exceeding this limit can be quite costly.
The Medford Police Department is committed to keeping school zones safe and will be actively patrolling and enforcing speed limits starting the first day of school. Additionally, we will continue to deploy the speed trailer near various schools to further encourage compliance and promote awareness.
Your cooperation and attention to the speed limit helps create a safer environment for our students and all road users. Thank you for your understanding and commitment to school zone safety. Let’s make this school year a safe and successful for everyone!
 Always Close Your Garage Door.....
It is crucial to always close your garage door when it is not in use. At the Police Department, we have encountered numerous incidents where individuals have faced theft, unwelcome guests, or even unauthorized use of their garage facilities simply because their door was left open.
An open garage door not only invites opportunistic crimes but can also pose a serious risk of someone gaining access to your home. By ensuring your garage door is securely closed, you significantly reduce these risks, protecting both your property and family's safety.
Even if you’re only stepping away briefly, making it a habit to close your garage door can prevent potential intrusions and keep your home secure.
 Welcome to the MPD Family
In July the Police Department welcomed eight new police officers. We are lucky to have Officers Leal, Griffith, Donahoo, Sampson, Gomez, Borrou, Rodriguez, and Tinsley join our team. You may recognize Officer Rodriguez, she has worked for Medford Police Department as a CSO and was promoted to police officer. We look forward to the eight of them coming back from the basic police academy in November and hitting the road with a Field Training Officer (FTO).
Additionally, in August we welcomed lateral hire Officer Rose to the Medford Police Department family.
 Should you ever find yourself in an emergency situation, always dial 911 for immediate assistance. For non-urgent matters or to get in touch with specific departments within the Medford Police Department, it is valuable to know the right contact numbers:
Who To Call
Emergency Situations: 911
Non-emergency: 541-776-7206
• Report a Crime or Suspicious Circumstances where there is NOT a Threat to Life/ Property
Code Enforcement: 541-774-2016
• Accumulation of Junk •Abandoned Vehicles •Other Nuisance Issues
Livability: 541-774-2282
• Prohibited Camping •Greenway Related Issues
Records: 541-770-4783
• Public Records Requests •Vehicle Releases •Bicycle Registration
Community Engagement: 541-774-2268
• Community Events •Trespass Agreements •Volunteer Supervisor •Neighborhood Watch Coordinator
Medford PD will be hosting our annual Safety Saturday Bike Rodeo on September 14th from 11am-2pm at the Rogue Valley Mall.
We are excited to partner with Medford Fire Department, Mercy Flights, RVTD, City of Medford, and the Medford School District for our annual Safety Saturday Bike Rodeo.
At the event we will have a dunk tank with a police officer ready to be dunked, a bicycle course set up for kids to practice safe biking, SWAT Bearcat tour, emergency vehicles, and fun informational booths including Medford School District, City of Medford, and Mercy Flight Cadets.
 Medford Police Department will be hosting our semi-annual Drug Take Back event on Saturday, October 26th from 10am-2pm. The event will take place in Medford City Hall parking lot at 411 W 8th St, Medford OR 97501. Please note, you will have to enter the parking lot coming north bound on Ivy Street. Due to traffic control we cannot have people entering off of 8th St.
Important Event Information
During the Take Back Event
- If an original container is submitted, the participant should remove any identifying information from the prescription bottle.
- The participant should ensure the cap is securely tightened on all solid dosage pharmaceutical products and liquids.
- All participants must retain possession of their own medication during the surrender process. Law Enforcement and Volunteers should not directly handle the medications at any time. Participants will place items in MPD provided box, or they can have the medications/containers in a bag.
- Participants may dispose of medication in its original container or by removing the medication from its container and disposing of it directly into the disposal box that MPD will provide. However, liquid products, such as cough syrup, must remain sealed in their original container.
Please DO NOT give us the Following:
- Illicit substances such as marijuana or methamphetamine are not part of this initiative/program.
- Intra-venous solutions, injectables, inhalers, syringes, chemotherapy medications, vaping devices that have batteries that cannot be removed or medical waste WILL NOT be accepted.
- Other items that will Not be accepted: No thermometers (Mercury), Oxygen containers, and pressurized canisters.
If you have any questions regarding the event, please contact our Community Engagement Officer at 541-774-2268.
We will provide further information in the October Newsletter.
Adress: 219 S. Ivy St., Medford, OR, 97501
Phone: 541-774-2250
Website: medfordoregon.gov
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