City of Talent Police Department

08/26/2026

School is back in session September 8th.

Kids are headed back to school! 🥹🚍

Remind yourself that it takes all of us — parents and drivers working together — to keep our kids SAFE.

We hope you have a great school year! ❤️

Credit: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

07/22/2026

07/06/2026

Talent Police and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are calling on drivers to recognize that speeding is aggressive driving that endangers everyone on the road. NHTSA’s Speeding Catches Up With You campaign aims to curb the reckless behavior, educate drivers on the consequences of speeding, and save lives. Speeding contributes to thousands of fatal crashes and many more injuries every year. In 2024, there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29% of all traffic fatalities. In 2024, 39% of male drivers and 20% of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.

Speeding increases the risk of losing control and impairs the driver’s ability to respond safely to traffic, hazards, and sudden changes in the road. Speed limits establish safe and predictable speeds that allow all road users to anticipate each other’s behaviors and share the road. Driving faster than the posted speed limit diminishes the driver’s ability to judge distance and time safely to avoid serious and deadly crashes.

Following posted speed limits is not just the law — it’s a shared responsibility to protect all lives on the road. Drivers and riders should slow down, stay focused, and make safety their priority.

07/02/2026

Yesterday, Talent Police Officer Sanchez and Talent Police Officer Watson proudly represented the Talent Police Department in the 2026 Law Enforcement Torch Run. The officers ran 17 miles from Ashland to the Oregon State Police office in Central Point, joining law enforcement members from across the region in support of Special Olympics.

The Law Enforcement Torch Run is the largest public awareness campaign and grassroots fundraiser for Special Olympics. Known honorably as Guardians of the Flame, law enforcement members and Special Olympics athletes carry the Flame of Hope into Opening Ceremonies for local, state, national, regional, and world games. Each year, more than 97,000 dedicated law enforcement members carry the Flame of Hope, symbolizing courage, inclusion, and the celebration of diversity while uniting communities around the globe.

Participation in events like the Torch Run reflects the mission of the Talent Police Department: to provide police services that protect the safety of all persons and their property, help solve community problems, enhance the quality of life for all, and make citizens feel safe in the City of Talent.

Officer Sanchez and Officer Watson’s involvement demonstrates our continued commitment to serving the community, building positive partnerships, and supporting programs that uplift and unite people of all abilities.

07/02/2026

06/30/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Pets in Your Car, but Not in Your Lap

Fun Fact: Did you know it's unlawful to drive if something obstructs your ability to safely operate your vehicle?

Under Oregon law (ORS 815.270), drivers must have an unobstructed view in all directions and maintain free and easy access to vehicle controls. That means your furry (or feathered!) friends shouldn’t be riding in your lap while you're cruising along Talent Avenue or HWY 99.

Keep yourself, your pets, and other drivers safe by keeping your lap clear. Secure your pet in a pet harness, carrier, or appropriate pet restraint instead.

Safe driving benefits everyone—including our four-legged friends!

06/24/2026

As we approach the Fourth of July, we want to remind residents that illegal and legal fireworks create serious dangers — including fires, injuries, and added stress for veterans, neighbors, and pets.

We would like to remind residents of the fireworks ordinance No. 2021-969-0 that prohibits the sale and use of fireworks in the city.

Additionally, we would like to inform the community of a newly adopted ordinance 8.10.180 Violation of Seasonal Fire Restrictions. This ordinance reads; No Person shall carry out an act that is prohibited by the Oregon Department of Forestry under the current fire danger level as established by the Oregon Department of Forestry for the Southwest Oregon District in Jackson and Josephine Counties.

Violations of both listed ordinance could result in fines up to $500.

06/23/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Roundabout Rules (Yes, That One in Talent)

Talent has a roundabout—and if you’re unsure how to use it, you’re not alone. But the rules are simple, and following them makes traffic smoother and safer.

● Yield to traffic already in the roundabout. Always.

● Use your right turn signal when exiting.

● Stay in your lane—don’t change lanes mid-roundabout.

● Don’t stop in the roundabout unless absolutely necessary.

Remember: roundabouts are not NASCAR tracks, nor are they optional obstacle courses. Done right, they reduce crashes and keep traffic moving. Done wrong, well… that’s how bumpers get introduced.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): 811.285, 811.288, 811.292

06/18/2026

FRIDAY JUNE 19, 2026 | RED FLAG WARNING FOR SOUTHERN JACKSON COUNTY

𝐑𝐄𝐃 𝐅𝐋𝐀𝐆 & 𝐏𝐑𝐄𝐏𝐀𝐑𝐄𝐃𝐍𝐄𝐒𝐒 𝐓𝐈𝐏𝐒!
Jackson County will be under a Red Flag Warning on Friday, June 19th, 2026 from 8 am to 7 pm in Fire Weather Zone 621 in the Southern Jackson County Siskiyou Mountains, for scattered thunderstorms with abundant lightning over dry fuels. Follow US National Weather Service Medford Oregon for more info.

𝘞𝘩𝘢𝘵 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘴𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘭𝘥 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘵𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝐑𝐈𝐆𝐇𝐓 𝐍𝐎𝐖 𝘰𝘯 𝘢 𝘙𝘦𝘥 𝘍𝘭𝘢𝘨 𝘥𝘢𝘺?
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫
Park your vehicle towards the roadway and load your Go Bag.
Be sure you have a full tank of gas. This helps you evacuate quickly.
If you don't have a car, reach out to a friend, family, or transport service and make a plan should you have to evacuate your home.
𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐡𝐨𝐦𝐞
Pick up anything that can burn that's close to your house. This can include outdoor furniture, dried leaves or plants, doormats, or other decorations.
Keep your windows & doors shut to keep it cool inside. This will help if you lose power.
Keep extra food & water on hand. Think about meals that don't require electricity to make.
𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬
Keep pets and carriers nearby.
Have a plan to transport large animals and livestock.
Always check trailers & towing equipment to eliminate dragging hazards.
Jackson County Expo will open for livestock sheltering if there are Level 3 evacuations - where will you take your animals if you're under a Level 1 or 2 evacuation notice?

06/16/2026

Traffic Tuesday: Motorcycle Lane Splitting in Oregon

We get it—motorcycles are nimble and traffic can be frustrating. But Oregon law is clear: lane splitting is illegal.

Motorcyclists must ride within their designated lane. Passing other vehicles between lanes, on the shoulder, or weaving through stopped traffic is a violation and puts everyone at risk.

We know California allows lane splitting under certain conditions—but Oregon is not California. (We prefer our chaos a little more organized.)

If you're on two wheels, ride safe and smart. If you're in four, double-check your blind spots and give motorcyclists room.

Applicable Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS): 814.400, 814.320