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Medford Police Chief Denies Spying on Innocent Political Activists and Individuals Top Stories By Edith M. On Aug 21, 2024 Medford Police Department, Oregon MEDFORD, Ore. — The Medford Police Department (MPD) denies spying on political groups and individuals by gathering information from social media accounts, so breaching ORS 181A.250 , a state law that prohibits law enforcement agencies from taking part in such activities unless their reasons are ‘directly related to criminal investigations.’ The lawsuit against MPD was lodged yesterday (Tuesday) in the Jackson County Circuit Court by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), accusing the police of monitoring accounts on social media platforms to create files against groups and individuals who are not under suspicion suspected of criminal activities. The MPD is Building Secret Files The ACLU claims that MPD is building secret files against people and organizations who are advocating for the rights of drug users and homeless people, support LGBTQ+ rights, are pro-abortion rights, and oppose the murder of George Floyd by Minneapolis police. Responding to the claims by the ACLU, the MPD issued a statement in which they claimed they collected information for security reasons and not to cast judgment on the personal beliefs held by individuals. As such, the MPD says it is not in breach of ORS 181A.250. The MPD says the information gathered was intended to address problems such as breaches of the peace, risks of damage to property and violent conflicts between protesters and counter-protesters, as well as traffic disruptions. Social Media Information is Publicly Accessible, says MPD Medford Police Chief Justin Ivens says his force ‘upholds the constitutional rights of citizens’ and points out that information on social media platforms is publicly accessible. Social media surveillance ensures the MPD’s ability to handle safety concerns ‘while safeguarding those exercising their constitutional right to freedom of speech.’ The ACLU says it has filed the lawsuit on behalf of their clients, Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers, Stabbin Wagon, and a former executive of Stabbin Wagon, Melissa Jones. The complainants are progressive political activists and members of mutual aid groups who care for neighbors in need. They contend that the MPD is abusing its power to spy on activists whose views they oppose. The lawsuit seeks not monetary compensation but a court order to prevent the police from continuing their social media surveillance activities. Jackson County Medford Southern Oregon Share Twitter Facebook ReddIt WhatsApp Pinterest Email