March 5th, 2025
 Hello!
As we wrap up 2024, I want to share some important traffic and crash-related data for all of us who drive on the roads. Our regional Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team handles motor vehicle crashes with critical injuries or fatalities. In 2023, the team managed 38 cases, whereas in 2024, they handled 31 cases, indicating a 20% reduction in a year. We hope this trend continues because traffic safety is of paramount importance to us.
I want to highlight and share about our photo red light and speed program. This initiative primarily aims to enhance traffic safety by altering driving behavior, increasing awareness, and educating the public about the dangers of running red lights and speeding. In Medford, five intersections are equipped with photo red light and speed monitoring systems. In 2024, an average of 1,780,703 vehicles passed through these photo-enforced intersections monthly. Violations led to an average of 1,727 citations being issued each month. So, only about 0.097% of the vehicles were cited for offenses.
It's worth noting that nearly 35% of the violators in 2024 were not residents of the Rogue Valley, and 17% were from outside Oregon. Over the past few years, Medford has experienced a decrease in motor vehicle crashes at these monitored intersections, even as traffic volumes rise. City-wide, we’ve observed a 7.5% reduction in pedestrian accidents with injuries and a 5% decrease in injury crashes involving other vehicles.
Thank you for your continued support, and stay safe out there!
Lieutenant Pietila
 Have you ever walked up to your vehicle only to realize someone had been inside—rifling through your glove box, center console, trunk, and every other storage space? Unfortunately, this is a common crime in our community. Additionally, there have been multiple vehicle thefts in our community, including incidents where individuals started their vehicle to warm it up, only to have it stolen. Even if you have not been a victim to a crime like this, it can happen to anyone.
What can you do to reduce the risk of becoming a victim to vehicle break ins and theft? Here are some simple yet effective precautions:
🔒 Always lock your vehicle. Remove the keys and roll up the windows when you’re not using it.
🔒Keep your vehicle’s interior clean and free of valuables. Bags, purses, wallets, laptops, tools, sunglasses, packages, cell phones, loose change—if it’s visible, it’s a target. Even electronic accessories like charging cords can make thieves think you have valuable items hidden inside.
🔒Secure valuables before you reach your destination. If you must leave something in your car, store it in the trunk before arriving, so no one sees you doing it.
🔒Remove personal items. Take out garage door openers, key cards, house/work keys, credit cards, and identification. These can be used for additional crimes if stolen.
🔒If possible, park in a locked garage. If that’s not an option, leave exterior lights or motion-activated lights on overnight.
🔒Choose well-lit, busy parking areas. Avoid parking near large vans, dumpsters, or anything that obstructs visibility.
🔒Consider a security system or steering/brake lock. Even if a determined thief can bypass them, these devices slow them down and might make them move on to an easier target.
🔒If you drive a truck, don’t leave valuables in an exposed bed. Use a locked toolbox or cover.
🔒Firearm storage matters. If you must store a firearm in your vehicle, a glove box, console, or under the seat is not a safe option—these are the first places thieves check. Instead, invest in a secure, mounted storage container designed for vehicles. Stolen firearms are a serious issue, and proper storage adds an extra layer of security.
By taking these precautions, you can help prevent crime, protect your belongings, and make our community safer. Stay vigilant, and let’s work together to reduce vehicle thefts! 🚔🚔🚔
 The MPD Traffic Team is composed of three dedicated motorcycle officers who focus primarily on traffic enforcement and crash investigations. In addition to their enforcement duties, these officers take the lead in planning and coordinating special events and motorcades. Each officer is a Certified Traffic Crash Reconstructionist with extensive specialized training. Additionally, the team is certified in an
Event Data Recorder (EDR) program allowing them to retrieve valuable information out of a vehicle’s automotive “black box” to assist in serious traffic crash investigations.
These Motor Officers also serve as members of the Jackson County Serious Traffic Accident Reconstruction (STAR) team, investigating serious injury and fatal crashes throughout Medford and Jackson County. The Traffic Team’s mission is to reduce serious injuries and fatalities through proactive enforcement and public education. As mentioned above, in 2024, the STAR Team handled a total of 31 cases, marking a decline of over 20% compared to 2023..
We appreciate everything our Traffic Team does to keep our roads safe, traffic flowing, and to assist individuals who have experienced accidents. Their work not only enforces the law but also helps bring understanding to unfortunate situations. Thank you, Traffic Team, for your hard work and commitment to our community!
Hello Everyone,
At the police department, we’re looking forward to the time change on March 9th—having a little extra daylight in the evenings always feels good! Don’t forget to set your clocks forward that day.
We’re also excited to welcome a three new volunteers who have joined us over the past few months. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting the work we do, and we couldn’t be as successful without their help. In addition to assisting with various tasks, they also contribute to the events we host throughout the year.
Looking ahead, we’re gearing up to support the Pear Blossom Festival on April 12th. Later in the month, we’ll also be hosting our Drug Take-Back and Rogue Shred event, providing the community with a safe way to dispose of unwanted medications and sensitive documents. Stay tuned for more details!
If you have any questions about our volunteer programs or upcoming events, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Thank you for everything you do to support our community through your Neighborhood Watch groups. It’s been a pleasure getting to know many of you, and I look forward to continuing our work together!
My contact info: engagempd@cityofmedford.org or 541-774-2268.
Sincerely,
Cara Sparks
 Medford Police Department Proudly Supports the 72nd Annual Pear Blossom Festival
The Medford Police Department is proud to support the 72nd Annual Pear Blossom Festival on April 12th, 2025. This cherished tradition brings our community together. Since its inception, the festival has grown into a multi-event celebration, featuring the Pear Blossom Parade, the Pear Blossom Run, a vibrant Street Fair, and exciting newer additions like the Pear a Fare and Smudge Pot Stroll.
Each year, our officers assist in ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all festivalgoers. From providing traffic control along the parade route to supporting runners on race day, MPD is committed to making this event a success.
The Pear Blossom Parade, which started with just 20 wagons and children, now boasts 150 entries with over 4,000 participants and up to 30,000 spectators lining the streets of downtown Medford. The festival serves as a symbol of community pride, family values, and the deep-rooted heritage of the Rogue Valley.
Additionally, the festival supports local youth through scholarships for high school senior girls, a tradition upheld since 1991.
We are excited to continue our involvement in 2025 and look forward to seeing our community come together for Medford’s oldest and most beloved tradition!
If you want to join the festivities, click the link below to be directed to the YMCA website and sign up for the run.
Let me know if you need any adjustments! 🍐
 📢 Drug Take Back & Rogue Shred Event 📢
The Medford Police Department is partnering with Rogue Disposal and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) to host a Drug Take Back & Rogue Shred Event! This is a great opportunity for community members to properly dispose of unwanted and unused prescription medications in a safe and responsible manner. All collected medications will be securely boxed up and sent to the DEA for incineration.
Items NOT Accepted:
🚫 Illegal drugs
🚫 Needles
🚫 Inhalers
(These items must be disposed of at designated locations, not at this event.)
Additionally, Rogue Disposal will be on-site to help individuals safely shred confidential documents. Each participant may bring up to three (3) garbage bags full of documents for shredding.
📅 Date: Friday, April 26th
⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 Location: City Hall Parking Lot
Stay tuned for more details in next month’s newsletter!
Adress: 219 S. Ivy St., Medford, OR, 97501
Phone: 541-774-2250
Website: medfordoregon.gov
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