Medford Police Department: Neighborhood Watch Newsletter - October 2026

City of Medford, Oregon sent this bulletin at 10/22/2026 05:29 PM PDT

October 2026

A Message From: Deputy Chief Graham

I have been here at the Medford Police Department for more than thirty years. The Department and the City have been wonderful to me. I consider myself extremely blessed to have been part of the Medford Police Department. Though I am retiring, I am extremely excited for the future here.

With the promotion of Chief Arnold there also comes opportunities for growth and advancement throughout the agency. The entire upper administration will be new by the beginning of 2027. The quality of people taking on new responsibilities and assignments leads me to believe that the best MPD is yet to come.

Chief Arnold has a clear vision for the future. Chief Arnold’s leadership philosophy centers on protecting the Medford community while upholding constitutional rights, ethical standards, and public trust. He emphasizes visible, consistent leadership; clear expectations; and fair accountability at every level of the Police Department. His approach includes actively addressing risks, strengthening training and supervision, and ensuring that officers and staff have the resources, guidance, and support needed to serve the community professionally.

The philosophy also prioritizes transparent communication and responsible decision-making. Chief Arnold is committed to explaining the reasons behind important decisions, listening to community partners, and working closely with City leadership without surprises. By investing in employee wellness, leadership development, and sound stewardship of public resources, the Department aims to maintain strong teams and deliver policing that earns community confidence through performance, professionalism, and accountability.

I believe the future of the Medford Police Department is going to be great. With the quality of people we hire, the clear purpose and direction for the agency, and a continued commitment to the community the future of your police department is moving in a great direction.

It has been an honor serving the City of Medford.

D.J. Graham: Deputy Chief of Operations

40 Under 40 Award Recipient:

Please join us in congratulating Lieutenant Pietila on being recognized as a 40 Under 40 Award recipient by the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP)!

This recognition highlights emerging leaders in law enforcement who demonstrate dedication, leadership, and a commitment to making a positive impact in their profession and communities.

We are incredibly proud to see Lieutenant Pietila receive this well-deserved recognition and represent the Medford Police Department on an international level!

Congratulations, Lieutenant Pietila, on this outstanding achievement! 👏🚔

Supporting Stephanie Estrada:

The Medford Police Department would like to take a moment to share an update about 16 year old, Stephanie Estrada, a beloved member of our extended MPD family.

The Medford Police Department has gotten to know and love Stephanie through the Rogue Valley Girls Police Camp, where she has participated for the past two years. Stephanie has a true passion for law enforcement and has also volunteered with our department and other local agencies. She is known for her kindness, strong work ethic, and dedication, and she has made a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know her.

On October 10, Stephanie was struck by a vehicle while riding her e-bike, suffering a severe head injury that required emergency brain surgery. Thankfully, her surgery was successful, and there have been some encouraging signs since the accident. However, Stephanie still faces a long road to recovery, including an extended stay in the ICU and continued medical care.

As Stephanie and her family navigate this difficult and unexpected situation, they are also facing significant medical and living expenses while focusing on her recovery.

How You Can Help

If you are able, please consider donating to support Stephanie and her family during this challenging time. Every contribution, no matter the amount, can help make a difference. If you are unable to donate, keeping Stephanie and her family in your thoughts and prayers is another meaningful way to show your support.

💙 Donate to Stephanie’s Recovery Fund:
Stephanie’s Brain Surgery Recovery Fund

Stephanie has already made such a positive impact on our law enforcement family and community. We are all cheering her on as she continues her recovery and look forward to supporting her every step of the way.

Share the Road:

Safe driving is about more than getting from one place to another. It’s about protecting the lives of everyone sharing the road.

Every day, drivers, cyclists, e-bike riders, and pedestrians share our streets. While we may only cross paths with someone for a few seconds, our decisions behind the wheel can have a lasting impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

Traffic accidents can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. Staying alert, slowing down, and making responsible choices can help prevent serious injuries and save lives.

How Can You Help Keep Our Roads Safe?

🚗 Put distractions away. Avoid using your phone, adjusting your GPS, or engaging in activities that take your attention away from driving.

🚲 Share the road. Give cyclists and e-bike riders plenty of space, check your surroundings, and always be aware of others around you.

🛑 Obey speed limits. Driving at a safe speed gives you more time to react to unexpected situations and helps reduce the severity of a collision.

👀 Look twice. Check your mirrors and blind spots before turning, changing lanes, or backing up. Always watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially at intersections.

🚦 Never drive impaired. Alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and certain medications can affect your ability to drive safely. Make responsible choices before getting behind the wheel.

💙 Be patient and courteous. Leave plenty of following distance, use your signals, and remember that everyone deserves to reach their destination safely.

Know the Rules:

E-bikes and e-scooters are becoming increasingly popular, but they are motorized vehicles—not toys. With different classifications, speeds, and requirements, it is important to know exactly what you are riding.

Oregon recognizes three classes of e-bikes, while electric scooters and higher-powered electric devices have their own requirements. A device that exceeds the speed, motor, or equipment requirements of an e-bike or scooter classification may fall into a different vehicle category and could require additional licensing, registration, or other requirements.

As this technology continues to evolve, laws and classifications are changing, and new guidance may be issued. Don't assume a device is legal simply because it is marketed as an “e-bike” or “e-scooter.” Check the current Oregon requirements before purchasing or operating one.

Most importantly, these devices can cause serious injuries and even death. National data shows hundreds of thousands of emergency-department visits related to e-bikes and e-scooters in recent years. Children and teens are especially vulnerable, making proper supervision, helmets, safe riding habits, and knowing the rules essential.

Know the classification. Know the law. Know the risks. E-bikes and e-scooters can be a great way to get around—but they should never be treated like toys.

Safety Saturday Recap:

Safety Saturday was a HUGE success! We had a great turnout and are so thankful to everyone who came out to support this event and help make it such a memorable day for our community.

A special thank-you to our 15+ community partners who took the time to participate, share valuable resources, and help make this event possible. We couldn’t have done it without your support and dedication to keeping our community safe!

We would also like to extend a huge thank-you to the Medford Police Association (MPA) for generously donating funds to purchase raffle items for our community members. Your generosity helped make the day even more exciting and allowed us to give back to those who attended!

Thank you to everyone who helped organize, participated in, and attended Safety Saturday. We are proud to see our community come together, build connections, and make safety a shared priority. We can’t wait to do it again! 💙🚔

**Citizens Academy COMING SOON:**

Interested in learning more about the Medford Police Department? Our Citizens Academy is a great opportunity for community members to gain an inside look at local law enforcement, learn about police operations, and better understand the roles and responsibilities of our officers and staff.

The Citizens Academy runs for 12 weeks and provides participants with an opportunity to learn more about the department, its services, and the work we do to serve and protect our community.

Applications will be released in early November and will be available on the Medford Police Department website. Be sure to follow us on social media and keep an eye on our website for application announcements and additional details!

We look forward to connecting with our community and welcoming the next group of Citizens Academy participants!

Organization Spotlight Medford Police Association (MPA):

The Medford Police Association (MPA) is dedicated to enhancing public safety and promoting the well-being of our community through charitable and educational activities. Through donations, scholarships, and fundraising efforts, the MPA provides support to members of our community and the Medford Police family, especially during times of need.

The MPA continually finds ways to give back and make a positive impact throughout Medford. Recently, the association has donated to help community members facing medical and family hardships, sponsored events such as the MPD softball league, and supported the Salvation Army’s efforts to provide school supplies to local students. Most recently, the MPA generously donated funds to purchase raffle items for community members at Safety Saturday, helping make the event even more memorable!

These contributions reflect the MPA’s commitment to supporting families during difficult times, investing in our community, and creating opportunities to make a difference both in and beyond the department.

We are grateful for the MPA’s continued generosity and dedication to the Medford community and the MPD family.

Halloween Safety Spotlight:

Halloween is just around the corner! As families head out for trick-or-treating and neighborhoods fill with little ghosts, goblins, and superheroes, the Medford Police Department reminds everyone to make pedestrian safety a priority.

With more children walking through neighborhoods after dark, drivers and pedestrians alike need to stay alert and take extra precautions to help ensure everyone gets home safely.

🚸 Tips for a Safe Halloween

For Drivers:

Slow down in residential neighborhoods. Children may dart into the street unexpectedly, especially when excited about trick-or-treating.
Watch for pedestrians. Be especially alert near crosswalks, intersections, driveways, and parked vehicles.
Yield at crosswalks. Stop for pedestrians crossing the road and never pass a vehicle stopped at a crosswalk.
Avoid distractions. Put your phone away and keep your full attention on the road.
Use extra caution after dark. Turn on your headlights early and watch carefully for children in dark costumes.

For Parents and Trick-or-Treaters:

Use designated crosswalks. Cross at intersections whenever possible and obey pedestrian signals.
Make yourself visible. Use reflective tape, glow sticks, or flashlights to help drivers see you.
Look both ways. Stop at the curb, look left, right, and left again, and continue watching for traffic while crossing.
Stay together. Young children should be accompanied by an adult, and groups should cross streets together when it is safe.
Never assume a vehicle will stop. Make eye contact with drivers when possible and ensure traffic has stopped before stepping into the roadway.

🎃 A Reminder from MPD

Halloween should be filled with treats, laughter, and fun—not preventable accidents. Whether you're driving through the neighborhood or walking door to door, taking a few extra seconds to be cautious can make all the difference.

Keep Your NW Signs Looking Strong:

If your neighborhood has faded, damaged, or vandalized Neighborhood Watch signs that need repair or replacement, please reach out to your Neighborhood Watch Coordinator at engagempd@cityofmedford.org so we can help get them updated.

Neighborhood Watch signs serve as an important reminder that residents are engaged, connected, and committed to keeping their community safe. Well-maintained signs not only help deter criminal activity, but also demonstrate neighborhood pride and show that your Watch group remains active and involved.

Keeping signs clean, visible, and up to date helps reinforce the strong partnership between neighbors and the Medford Police Department.

Message to Neighbors:

As we wrap up this month’s newsletter, we want to thank our Medford community for your continued support, involvement, and partnership with the Medford Police Department.

Building a safer, stronger community takes all of us. From attending community events and supporting local initiatives to looking out for your neighbors and practicing safety every day, even the smallest actions can make a meaningful difference.

We are proud to serve a community that continues to show up for one another, and we look forward to creating more opportunities to connect, build relationships, and work together.

Stay safe, take care of one another, and remember that we are here to serve you!

Happy October!

CSO Ivens

Join Our Volunteer Team at MPD:

Are you interested in becoming a volunteer with the Medford Police Department?

We are always looking for community members who are passionate about service, engagement, and making a positive impact. Volunteers play an important role in supporting programs, events, and outreach efforts that help strengthen our connection with the community.

If you’re interested in learning more about volunteer opportunities, we would love to hear from you!

📧 Email: engagempd@cityofmedford.org
📞 Phone: 541-774-2268 (Volunteer Coordinator)

Stay Connected:

Want to stay up to date on community events, safety information, crime prevention tips, department news, and important updates? Follow the Medford Police Department on social media!

📘 Facebook: Medford Police

📸 Instagram: @medfordpoliceor