Surge in DUII Arrests Marks a Decade-High for Jackson County Sheriff’s Office

Courtesy of JCSO

Medford, Oregon – The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office (JCSO) has reported the highest number of Driving Under the Influence of Intoxicants (DUII) arrests in the past decade. As of today, December 21, JCSO deputies have completed 349 DUII arrests this year, surpassing the previous annual record of 322 in 2021.

This surge in DUII arrests has prompted heightened vigilance from law enforcement agencies, not just in Jackson County but across Oregon. With the holiday season in full swing, authorities are anticipating a further uptick in intoxicated driving incidents. To address this concern, JCSO has announced an increase in patrols through New Year’s Day to ensure the safety of the community.

To bolster these efforts, JCSO is collaborating with other law enforcement agencies in Oregon, leveraging federally-funded overtime to intensify DUII patrols and raise awareness about the perils of intoxicated driving. The financial support for this initiative comes from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT).

The stark increase in DUII arrests in 2023 reflects a trend that demands attention. The following data provides a comprehensive overview of JCSO DUII arrests over the past ten years:

2023 (Year-to-Date): 349
2022: 290
2021: 322
2020: 250
2019: 304
2018: 312
2017: 320
2016: 247
2015: 166
2014: 145
2013: 157
2012: 287

These figures underscore the urgency of community-wide efforts to combat intoxicated driving and emphasize the critical role law enforcement plays in ensuring road safety. As we approach the conclusion of 2023, JCSO says they remain steadfast in their commitment to protecting the public and curbing the alarming trend of DUII incidents on Jackson County roads.