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Medford ranks third in Oregon for DUII arrests By Jessica Smith More aggressive enforcement held Medford police nab 17 percent more drunk drivers in 1999. Last year, 635 people were arrested in Medford for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up from 541 arrests in 1998, police officials said. "I like to think arrests are up not because people aren't learning from their mistakes, but because our aggressive enforcement efforts," said Lt. Mike Moran. He said several factors may have contributed to the increase. The 1999 increase reversed the trend in 1998, which actually saw about 15 percent fewer DUII arrests. The decrease in 1998 was attributed to an educational program aimed at bartenders. In 1999, Medford police upped the number of officers watching out for drivers who appeared intoxicated, thanks to a federal grant that subsidized larger patrols at peak hours. The department also implemented a program that trained three officers to identify drivers who are operating a car while under the influence of drugs. "(DUII enforcement) is a priority for us. It's a safety concern," said Medford Lt. Tim George. "Our officers are like hawks." In 1998, the last year statewide figures are available, Medford placed third among cities and fifth among 164 city and county agencies for DUII arrests. Only police in the cities of Portland and Salem bagged more drunk drivers. Aside from the rate at which intoxicated drivers were arrested last year, George said the city has seen other benefits from the MPD's aggressive patrols. According to reports compiled by the Medford police, injuries and property damages caused by accidents in 1999 dropped 22 percent and 9 percent, respectively. "There's only a couple ways you can control traffic accidents and arresting DUIIs is one of them," George said, noting that many traffic accidents involve drug or alcohol use. "We're very proud of the numbers." Today's Edition : News | Sports | Business | Weather | Tempo | Classifieds Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 2000, Medford, Oregon USA