DMA and MPD host a roundtable to ensure downtown safety for all.
Your calls and stories have been heard. The Medford Police Department continues to listen to your concerns regarding problems that stem from challenges around vandalism, trespassing, drug use, inappropriate behavior, and lack of safety reports that originate in Downtown Medford.
Starting in October, DMA and other community partners have been asking for help addressing the challenges in Downtown Medford. Since then, MPD has been putting in extra hours downtown, however, problems still remain.
Through the efforts of DMA, our business community, and partners such as Laz Ayala of KDA Homes, MPD and DMA co-hosted a meeting on March 15 in the Prescott Room at Medford Police Department headquarters. More than 50 people – a mix of business owners, downtown residents, City government representatives, and others, attended to express their concerns and to hear how MPD proposes to provide the help needed to ensure the safety of people and property.
Police Chief Justin Ivens opened the meeting by saying, “I love this city. Many of our officers are graduates of our local high schools. MPD officers love this city and are passionate about it.” He went on to say that there are many challenges to be dealt with and that MPD is and wants to continue to be proactive in dealing with downtown problems.
DJ Graham, Deputy Chief of Police revealed a pilot program that will run for two months – May and June. MPD will have an officer working downtown for 30-40 hours per week (number of hours depending on funding levels) engaging with business owners and others to increase safety and protection of property and helping individuals in need of help connect with appropriate services. If the pilot program works well, as evaluated by metrics and outcomes our community can help track, it could lead to an expanded livability team for Downtown and other business areas if funding is available.
Your collaboration and cooperation is needed to help make the pilot program a success. So when you see the officers working in the downtown area, please welcome them and engage in conversation, letting them know your needs. Most of all, be sure to report all incidents to MPD. Please see the document below on How to Contact the Police. Share it with your team and downtown neighbors.
Many thanks to MPD!
