Eugene
The Medford Police Department is launching a drone program

Medford, OR – According to the police officials, the Drone Response Team, comprised of three officers, will assist with many tasks, from searching for missing and endangered individuals to providing a bird’s eye view when tracking fleeing suspects.
The drones also will greatly enhance crash and crime scene reconstruction and, in some cases, eliminate the need of commissioning additional on scene resources.
In addition, the drones will be used to assess damage caused by natural disasters. These drones may also assist in identifying illegal and unregistered drones that could pose a threat to public safety.
Three officers have completed required training and certification to operate all four drones. The team will also have a dedicated vehicle for the program.
“We are excited to implement a program that will increase the abilities of our officers and department,” said Police Chief, Justin Ivens. “The Drone Response Team will play an important role in assisting our agency in times of need.”
Forfeiture funds were used to purchase the drones. Ongoing costs to operate the devices will include system upgrades and will be budgeted accordingly in future budget cycles.
Drone Response Teams have been implemented in numerous police departments throughout the state and across the country.
-
Crime & Safety1 week ago
Man claims the person he shared an apartment with repeatedly punched him in the head and ‘just wouldn’t listen’ when he warned him not to come any closer while holding a bIade, after inflicting fataI injuries: police
-
Crime & Safety5 days ago
Woman dies after her husband’s dad, who had been planning the assauIt for a week, followed her and fataIIy shot her because he was angry with her over separation paperwork she had fiIed against his son, police
-
Crime & Safety5 days ago
Man who didn’t seek medicaI help after realizing his child was going Iimp and had no puIse, only to end up leaving the home to an unknown location and returning days later to find him in an advanced state of dcomposition, was sentenced
-
Crime & Safety2 days ago
Mother claims she put her baby to bed and then something happened, saying she doesn’t recaII anything until giving the child CPR after causing fataI injuries to the infant at her home: police
-
Crime & Safety2 days ago
1-month-old dies after his mom Ieft the chiId with his dad, who rareIy heIped with caring for the baby, only for the man to repeatedIy sIap the lnfant in the head with an open hand in an attempt to stop him from crying: police
-
Eugene1 week ago
EPD arrests 18-year-old in 2024 Broadway shooting after joint investigation with Springfield Police
-
Eugene1 week ago
EPD to host National Night Out event at PK Park on August 3
-
Eugene1 week ago
Eugene invites community to participate in 2025 survey to guide future planning