ACLU of Oregon files lawsuit against Medford Police alleging illegal spying

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The American Civil Liberties Union of Oregon filed a lawsuit on Tuesday against the Medford Police Department, alleging the agency has illegally spied on individuals and organizations “with no suspicion of criminal activity” for years.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers, Stabbin Wagon, and Melissa Jones, who ACLU Oregon describes as progressive political activists and members of mutual aid groups helping neighbors in need.

Citing public records, the ACLU of Oregon claimed Medford police illegally surveilled progressive individuals and groups involved in causes -- including racial justice, LGBTQ+ rights, reproductive rights, housing justice, decriminalization, and environmental advocacy – even though no crimes were committed.

ACLU said the surveillance was discovered by Information for Public Use, which requested Medford police records and found cases of police collecting intel on the groups.

“Instead of investigating real safety threats, the Medford Police are wasting resources spying on someone like me who's just trying to care for my neighbors,” ACLU client Melissa Jones said.

In one case, Medford police surveilled reproductive rights groups that planned to protest ahead of the Supreme Court’s 2022 decision overturning Roe v. Wade, according to ACLU of Oregon.

“The Medford Police is blatantly disregarding a three-decades-old state law that prohibits this type of surveillance. Their doubling down is a bald display of impunity from those we trust to enforce the law. This abuse of power without fear of accountability is chilling and must be stopped,” said Kelly Simon, ACLU of Oregon legal director.

Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers Co-Founder and Organizer Sam Strong added, “For a number of months I was afraid to leave my house. I had been doxed. My friends and I continue to be scared. The police have so much power within their own group and also in the community. I fear the Medford Police Department’s capabilities and while they make working together with my community incredibly hard, we refuse to stop distributing supplies and support to marginalized folks."

ACLU Oregon argued the agency’s practice of monitoring these groups without suspicions of illegal activity is in violation of Oregon state law ORS 181A.250, prohibiting police from collecting or maintaining information on political, religious, or social views and activities of people who are not suspected of criminal activity.

The ACLU of Oregon noted that law was passed in the Oregon legislature after Portland police kept files on political organizations, such as the ACLU of Oregon.

The organization said the law is neceaary to protect against police abuses.

“The Medford Police are monitoring people like me because of what we care about, not for anything related to crime. Other activists, advocates and organizations who support Black, brown, and queer lives, see abortion as a healthcare right, care for the unhoused, the environment, and practice harm reduction, could be subject to this illegal invasion of privacy too,” said client Toren McKnight, Co-Founder and Organizer with the Rogue Valley Pepper Shakers.

KOIN 6 News reached out to Medford Police Department. This story will be updated if we receive a response.