During a recent city council meeting, a passionate speaker raised serious concerns regarding the treatment of the homeless population by the Medford Police Department. The individual questioned the council members on their awareness of the conditions faced by the homeless, alleging that they are subjected to harassment and violence by the police's livability team, which is meant to protect them.
The speaker claimed that the homeless are often \"herded back and forth\" while trying to meet basic needs such as eating, sleeping, and clothing themselves. They accused the police of bullying, threatening, and assaulting vulnerable individuals, and expressed frustration over what they described as a lack of accountability and investigation into these allegations.
Highlighting a troubling pattern, the speaker pointed to instances of injuries and deaths occurring in police custody and at the Jackson County Jail, suggesting that these incidents are being covered up by hospitals and the media. They emphasized that documented evidence, including names and dates, has been met with dismissal rather than action from the authorities.
The speaker concluded by calling for an investigation into the Medford Police Department and the Jackson County Jail, asserting that the council has a duty to represent all citizens, not just the affluent. The remarks underscored a growing concern about police accountability and the treatment of marginalized communities in Medford.