MEDFORD, Ore. (Jan. 20, 2026) — Medford Police Chief Justin Ivens has announced his retirement after more than 30 years in law enforcement, city officials said Monday.
A Medford native, Ivens will continue serving as chief through June 30, 2026, to ensure a smooth leadership transition, according to the city.
Ivens joined the Medford Police Department in 1995 as a community service officer and worked his way through nearly every level of the agency, including patrol, gang and street enforcement, major crimes investigations, supervision and executive leadership. He was appointed chief in 2021.
During his tenure as chief, Ivens emphasized practical, evidence-based policing strategies, strong partnerships with regional law enforcement agencies and a leadership approach centered on teamwork, professionalism and accountability. City leaders credited his experience and steady leadership with helping guide the department through a period of significant change and challenge.
“Chief Ivens has spent his career serving the community that raised him,” Interim City Manager John Vial said in a statement. “He leads with integrity, experience and respect for both the public and the people he works alongside. We are grateful for his service and the example he has set.”
The City of Medford said it will begin a recruitment process later this week to identify the department’s next police chief.
City officials and department staff expressed appreciation for Ivens’ decades of service, calling his career a lasting contribution to public safety in the Medford community.
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