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Medford police to expand Livability Team By Damian Mann Dec 13, 2022 01:00 AM A A Medford police officers Jenny Newell and RJ Josephson, members of the police Livability Team, log activity at a homeless camp off the Bear Creek Greenway in north Medford. The Livability Team will double in size thanks to almost $1.4 million in grants. [Andy Atkinson / Mail Tribune/file photo] A team of police officers who handle homeless issues in downtown Medford will double in size thanks to almost $1.4 million in grants. A total of six officers, up from the current three in the Livability Team, will allow Medford police to run two shifts a day to deal with issues that have plagued downtown merchants. The city received $375,000 from the U.S. Department of Justice Community Oriented Police Services grant and another $1 million from American Rescue Plan Act to expand the service. Medford is one of five cities in Oregon to be awarded the COPS grant. The money will help maintain the expanded Livability Team for at least three years. The team has been applauded by downtown businesses that have endured an onslaught of unwanted behavior ranging from vandalism and aggressive behavior to public defecation and public indecency. The Livability Team began in September 2019 to provide additional outreach and patrols in downtown and along the Bear Creek Greenway, where recurrent wildfires have become a serious public safety concern. Trevor Arnold, deputy police chief, applied for the COPS grant and also was previously in charge of the Livability Team. “We saw an opportunity to double the size of that team,” said Arnold. “I think adding to the team and longer hours helps with the deterrent factor.” The exact schedule for the additional officers, who will receive training and equipment to patrol the downtown, is still being worked out and could change depending on circumstances. Currently officers respond to calls and deal with homeless issues during the daytime hours. Arnold said the additional money will allow for officers to patrol during the swing shift. Hours likely will change depending on the season. Arnold said he expects the added police presence will have a positive effect. “I do understand the concern with what the downtown looks like now,” he said. On some downtown streets, homeless people often are the most visible presence, and Medford police have received calls from residents concerned about the number of homeless on the streets. “If there’s any kind of negative interaction, we respond to everything,” Arnold said. By law, police officers give 72 hours notice to someone illegally camped along the Bear Creek Greenway or in other areas of the city. Many homeless people decline services that are offered, including at the Urban Campground or the newly opened Navigation Center. While many homeless people might refuse social services, Arnold said officers try to develop a rapport with homeless people to encourage them to seek mental health, addiction treatment or to move into a shelter. Officers in the Livability Team typically stay in it for about two years, after which they return to regular patrol work. “It helps keep the team fresh,” Arnold said. Anne Jenkins, interim executive director of Downtown Medford Association, said the Livability Team has helped out significantly and is much appreciated by downtown merchants. “They’re working with everybody,” she said. “They’re getting to know the merchants.” An expanded Livability Team will enhance those efforts, she said. “Every little bit helps control the atmosphere and make it a warm and comfortable place,” Jenkins said. Going forward, Jenkins said, a priority for merchants is providing a safe, clean environment in the downtown. Reach freelance writer Damian Mann at [email protected].