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1 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Glitch sends false notice to crime victims, triggers probe 21 people fined $260 each in Medford police pedestrian safety operation Since You Asked: Mistletoe is probably what's up in the tree Court awards $1 million to Jackson County 6-year-old injured at birth Emergency Services, March 21 Crime, Courts and Emergency Services 21 people fined $260 each in Medford police pedestrian safety operation Emergency Services, March 21 Talent father faces assault charges in alleged whipping Firefighters stop Gold Hill shed fire before it spreads Missing man found dead in forest in Applegate Lake area Politics and Elections Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Arthur I. Cyr: South Korea represents long-term triumph – for them and for US Special election: Jackson County voters OK marijuana tax Ex-Merkley aide chosen as Oregon secretary of state Ashland: Budget increase, swimming pool funding discussion on council agenda Education Eight vie for Medford School Board positions Proposed Medford textbook raises constitutional concern North Medford High School principal to retire in June Southern Oregon University's building boom adds up to $130 million South Medford, Ashland, St. Mary's students building video game Environment Mt. Ashland Ski Area to host party March 28 Controversial asphalt plant in Talent wins county planning approval Mt. Ashland hopes coming storm will reopen ski area Odd visitors found off Oregon Coast Forum explores data gathered in Cascade-Siskiyou National Monument State News Bend company's aim: Connect investors to Africa Brown proposes $1 billion in California drought spending Are they decorations or desecration? The Dalles Standoff: Suicide by smoke inhalation Officials urge meningitis shots at University of Oregon Nation - World Obituaries Cornelius John Meany Lewis Mark Applebaker Death Notices David Braden Frohnmayer Ray Houck Weather Photo Galleries Since You Asked Videos Web Cams Mail Tribune 100 Shareable Bank of America is predicting a massive Tesla collapse Sports Latest Stories Tago nets game-winner, MVP for Siskiyous Green Machine Panthers kick off year with win Corban takes two from Raiders No. 8 Ducks advance with victory Varsity 541 College Sports Corban takes two from Raiders No. 8 Ducks advance with victory Wiese, OSU top South Dakota State Young, UC Irvine fall just short of upset Despite critics aplenty, UCLA surprises SMU on rare 3-pointer Pro Sports Payton lifts Magic over Blazers Hoffmann goes on birdie run at Bay Hill Harden erupts for 50 in Rockets victory Djokovic reaches semifinals via walkover Grandma dies, then Hoffman takes lead Community Sports Business Latest Stories Blog: Three Cheers for Today! Test Drive: 2015 Subaru Outback Limited Silvio Calabi: 2015 Cherokee is a modern Jeep Oregon winemaking emerges as mighty agricultural force Rogue Disposal plans natural gas fueling site Real Estate News East McAndrews Road sees a resurgence in commercial projects Business briefs: March 7 New construction prices jump 18.2 percent in Jackson County People In Business People in Business: Feb. 28 People in Business Transportation Rogue Disposal plans natural gas fueling site Alaska, United Express boost Medford airport to record February CEO Rieder leaving Erickson March 31 Lodging gains bode well for travel industries Agriculture Harry & David announces new president Warm winter has fruit growers poised for action Briefcase: Business briefs for Feb. 21 Opinion Latest Letters to the Editor, March 21 Other Views: Dave Frohnmayer was a man of honor Matthew T. Mangino: When is a confession not a confession? Our View: Textbook authors' reasoning hard to fathom Letters to the Editor, March 20 Editorials Other Views: Dave Frohnmayer was a man of honor Our View: Textbook authors' reasoning hard to fathom Our View: White House public records move is less than sunny Our View: Where the wild things shouldn't be Our View: Keeping the light trained on government Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, March 21 Letters to the Editor, March 20 Letters to the Editor, March 19 Letters to the Editor, March 18 Letters to the Editor, March 17 Columns Matthew T. Mangino: When is a confession not a confession? Michael Gerson: Hillary Clinton's Nixonian path to office Arthur I. Cyr: Iran – a crisis without end Dana Milbank: GOP budget is one big gimmick George Will: Kasich waits in the wings Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Central Point Cemetery needs work and city action Guest Opinion: Return to clearcutting is wrong approach for counties Guest Opinion: Plan a Hawthorne playground for all children Guest Opinion: There is nothing uniform about the Uniform Crime Report GUEST OPINION: Police, community should work to prevent profiling Lifestyle Latest stories Barbara Presnell: Why poetry? And why do it now? Get Out! March 20 calendar of things to do Looking Up: Looking for the zodiacal light Ocean salmon look plentiful off the Southern Oregon coast this year, but next year's a different story Wood bison to roam Alaska again Food Eat this, not that Peanut allergy breakthrough Eat your sprouts More fast food perils Pork perfection: Consider pork steaks instead of ham for the Easter dinner table Home and Garden Hello, honey: Invite bees for a lush garden Understand home inspection Dear Monty: Tips for checking out an existing septic system Garden Cameos: Now is the perfect time to spot wildflowers Paul Rogers: It’s time to assess the damage to yards Health Health Watch: 5 tips for seasonal allergy relief A better bedtime Studying stress Eat this, not that Peanut allergy breakthrough Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs Religion News: Presbyterian Church gives approval on same-sex marriage Religion briefs: Friday, March 13 More religion events in the Rogue Valley Religion Briefs Milestones and Achievements Haga-Parks Exercise helps special-needs kids adjust to airport procedures Engagement: Workman-Wright Anniversary: Hofer Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Here's five top entertainment picks for the coming week Alt-rock band Key of Three is a contender this weekend at Rising Stars Improv rock and folk band hosts a dance party at the Ashland Community Center Andrew Lloyd Webber's lush musical 'Sunset Boulevard' opens at Camelot Theatre in Talent Review: 'Same Time' after all these years Theater Camelot's 'Sunset Boulevard' ambitious, not as dark Andrew Lloyd Webber's lush musical 'Sunset Boulevard' opens at Camelot Theatre in Talent Review: Thanks for the Memories pulls off challenging 'Anastasia' Review: 'Same Time' after all these years Randall Theatre presents playwright Bernard Slade's comedy Music Live Music in Local Clubs Alt-rock band Key of Three is a contender this weekend at Rising Stars Improv rock and folk band hosts a dance party at the Ashland Community Center Kites & Crows, Ryan Marchand and Mercy Duo face-off this weekend at Rising Stars music competition in Jacksonville Rogue Valley Chorale presents 'A Festival of Choirs' at the Craterian Theatre Community Events Rogue Valley artist Linda Evans' pastel paintings capture landscapes of Southern Oregon Ashland Independent Film Festival announces this year's lineup OSF Hip-Hop Poetry Open Mic Ashland's First Friday Art Walk showcases new exhibits by regional artists Jesse Lawson and Joe Moxley host 'Barkeeper' Dining Jasmine Thai Cuisine Restaurant Inspections Agave offers gourmet tacos, tamales, ensaladas and more Serra storms Seattle Sakura Japanese Sushi Restaurant opens in new location Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obits Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines/Special Sections Business Services NEWS NOW Glitch sends false notice to crime victims, triggers probe ... Camelot's 'Sunset Boulevard' ambitious, not as dark ... 21 people fined $260 each in Medford police pedestrian safety operation ... Glitch sends false notice to crime victims, triggers probe ... Camelot's 'Sunset Boulevard' ambitious, not as dark ... 21 people fined $260 each in Medford police pedestrian safety operation ... Night Patrol By JILL BRISKEY MailTribune.com By JILL BRISKEY Posted May. 13, 2001 at 2:00 AM Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM By JILL BRISKEY Posted May. 13, 2001 at 2:00 AM Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM » Social News If you take a walk along Main Street at — a.m. some weekend, you won't be lonely. It's almost guaranteed that a Medford cop will stop to talk to you. And these guys aren't necessarily your friendly, neighborhood police officers. Then again, the cops who work Thursday, Friday and Saturday from sunset to sunrise aren't dealing with very friendly neighbors. "We're getting a ticket for this s---? That's f----ed up," 18-year-old Medford resident Mandie Sarratt informs Medford officer Richard Renfro as he fills out a citation. "Do you have nothing better to do than harass people who are out having fun? There's somebody walking through the parking lot right now. Go give him a ticket." Sarratt, along with seven young adults, was being cited and released for trespassing Saturday night in the parking lot of Iron Dragon Martial Arts Karate on South Central Avenue. The fine is $75, the routine familiar. "Are you guys broke? Do you need money?" Ryan Bohnert, 21, asks. "Do you like having people pay you money? Does this pay for your salary?" Renfro - who will fight this same battle countless times during his regular weekly three-day, 12-hour shifts - once again explains that hanging out on private property is illegal at almost every business in downtown Medford. "It's the same excuse I get every other time," Renfro says. "Do you own this property? If you don't, you're trespassing and you guys know it." "It doesn't matter. If you're out here at night, you're f-----," says Medford resident Steve Schlafke, 18. "This is so stupid." Stupid or not, trespassing and belligerent teens aren't the only angry customers Medford police meet on the weekends. They also get the drunks. "You guys are a bunch of bastards," a Medford man tells police officer Greg Lemhouse at 4 a.m. on the porch of his Peach Street residence. Swaying back and forth and reeking of liquor, the man tells the cops to take a hike. Now. Lemhouse - responding to a report of a 911 hang-up call made from the man's studio apartment - is not amused. He doesn't want to leave until he is sure that a victim is not trapped or injured in the home. "Hey, you called us. Why?" Lemhouse asks. "Go away. Get out of here before I make you," the man shouts, jamming his face an inch away from Lemhouse. Lemhouse responds by going nose to nose. "I am an officer with the Medford police and you will stand down! You will step back, now!" Lemhouse roars in an excellent imitation of a drill sergeant. "Step back, now!" The man, startled, backs down. Dissolving into a fit of giggles, he allows police inside his home. Lemhouse picks his way over a floor littered with gin bottles and overflowing ashtrays. Conversation, difficult because of the man's intoxication, is made impossible by a television that is cranked up full blast. "You broke my TV. That's another one on your list," the man tells Renfro after watching him turn the set off. "Do you know my cousin? I know you do. His name is Richard," the man says, once again friendly. "I just bet you do." The officers - who find a cat inside but nothing else - hang up the man's phone. They give him a stern warning about calling 911 again without an emergency and advise him to stay inside until morning. They leave without issuing a citation. "I told you I didn't call. It was that woman," the man tells the officers as they leave. "You guys had better now just quit it. ... Why did you all guys come here anyways?" Meet the Reservoir DawgsThey come because they are Team 5, a group of eight police officers working their beats along the streets of Medford from 6:30 p.m. to 6:30 a.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. According to their sergeant, Dave Ryder, they are the best of the best. His team doesn't wait for an opportunity to fall into their laps. Instead, they go out and make it happen. It's one of the reasons he calls the officers of Team 5 the Reservoir Dawgs - a slightly modified term borrowed from Quentin Tarantino's violent cult hit film "Reservoir Dogs." Minus the bloodthirsty, gangster aspect, Ryder adds. "They are aggressive, enthused and very motivated. They'll stop short of nothing to get the job done right," their sergeant said. "They are the best. This crew, they can handle anything." And most of the time, the individuals who are walking the streets of Medford in the early morning, weekend hours aren't happy to see the cops. "Why are you harassing me? Is it because I'm black?" a man walking along Fourth Street at 2:30 a.m. asks Lemhouse. "Man, this is bulls---." Lemhouse, who stopped the man to ask him if he knows anything about a report of a fight in progress in the area, repeats the question. "Man, I don't know. I'm staying out of trouble. Why don't you leave me alone?" the man replies. Although he questions others on the street, Lemhouse is unable to find the reported fight, saving him the possibility of breaking up a brawl. But breaking up fights is a job requirement. It's fairly common for a member of Team 5 to be injured during their shift as they chase down a fleeing suspect or wrestle out of control people to the ground. It's all part of the gig. "We're in the bad-guy business. They are dealing with a lot of intoxicated, aggressive, uncooperative people," Lt. Tim George said of the Reservoir Dawgs. "It's not an easy job. But they deal with it, and do it well." Cooling offNot every call carries the possibility of danger. Many involve noise complaints and drunken revelers. "Hey man, let me sleep," a 26-year-old man tells officer Ben Lylte in the parking-lot of the Osprey Brew Pub late on a recent Saturday night. Lylte is forced to physically haul the man - who is on the verge of passing out - out of the back seat of a vehicle and place him inside a patrol car. Lylte and other officers have responded to the bar after receiving a report that an intoxicated man had broken into a stranger's vehicle and had fallen asleep. The man gets snippy when he's forced to answer a few questions at the detox center, where police take the intoxicated to sit until they're sober. Lylte is busy placing his belongings in a basket for safe-keeping. The man's things - which are inventoried - will be returned when he is released in the morning. "Hey, that's my hat and it's valuable. Don't f--- with it. Damn it, it's expensive," he yells from a slumped position in a chair. He snatches his hat from the basket as the night clerk fills out the necessary paperwork, only to drop it on the ground a minute later. "Nighty-night, now," he says to Lylte. "Jesus, man. I can't believe this." Medford police will lodge up to 100 intoxicated people into the detox center every month. But a night of cooling off in detox isn't always an option for some people. Officers are often forced to drag drunken men and women to jail - many times under a hail of curses, screams and bodily fluids. "Get in. Your Cinco de Mayo silliness has gone on long enough," Ryder tells 26-year-old Lymon Young outside of the detox center. Lymon, of Crescent City, Calif., has been charged with harassment and will soon be lodged in the Jackson County Jail. Police were called in after Lymon reportedly started a ruckus inside the detox center by shouting and throwing a roll of toilet paper at the clerk. Bloodied and battered from a previous fight at Ground Zero - and three sheets to the wind - Young balks as officers tell him to get into the patrol car. "I'm not drunk. Let me pee and I'll prove it. My dad's a policeman with the California police," he shouts. "I just wanted to get some water." "Get in the car, NOW!" Officer Derek Parks says. "Enough!" Owning the streetsFor the Reservoir Dawgs, patrolling the streets of Medford means taking ownership of a beat and knowing the community inside and out. "This is a job that's about taking charge, owning the streets and not waiting for everything to come to you," Lemhouse says. "We stay busy. We look for the bad guys. We don't wait for them to stumble onto us." That means if something is amiss in a neighborhood, they will check it out. "If it's — a.m. and you're walking down the streets, you can pretty much bet a police officer is going to talk to you," Parks said. "For the most part, people will talk with you, tell you what they're doing. Some people get really offended. Obviously, that's when you get suspicious." It's a tough task that forces officers to take on the roles of counselor, mediator and peacekeeper, he added. "You've got to have hard-nosed, business-minded cops, but it's important that they are sensitive to the community," Lylte says. "You've got to have a balance of both. It's crucial." Meet your neighborhood police officer According to Medford Police Department officials, patrol work isviewed as the backbone of the entire agency. Patrol officers are often the first line of defense against crimein Medford. They work to keep the streets and residential areas safe from harm or threat. Yet many community members have never met the police officer whoworks to protect their home or workplace. Medford Lt. Tim George encourages residents to contact the policedepartment and meet the person who serves in their neighborhood. We would like to see them develop some partnership with thatofficer, George said. For more information, contact the Medford Police Department at770-4783. Beat system boosts familiarity The Reservoir Dawgs, or Team 5, are just one unit in Medford'spatrol division. Medford's patrol officers work 12-hour shifts, three days a week.Patrol officers are assigned to one of the six teams within the department's patrol division. A sergeant isassigned to each team, which is made up of seven or eight officers. Three teams are on duty during the day, and three at night. Theshifts are staggered to provide additional support during peak hours of activity. Each patrol officer is assigned to one of 11 sub-beats within thecity, according to Lt. Tim George. Police officers do not rotate the neighborhoods they patrol. Theteam/beat system, instituted two years ago, allows officers to become familiar with problem areas and theresidents in their beat, George said. It makes for a more constant deployment, George says.They get to know the area in which they are working, and who the bad guys are. By JILL BRISKEY MailTribune.com By JILL BRISKEY Posted May. 13, 2001 at 2:00 AM Updated Feb 16, 2011 at 8:41 AM » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. Your privacy is important, read our privacy policy. © Copyright 2015 Local Media Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 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