Local News

The Eagle Point Police Department saw a record year for impaired driving arrests in 2023.

In 2022, there was a total of 27 DUII arrests made by Eagle Point police officers. By the end of last year, officers had made 61 arrests of impaired drivers.

While most of these arrests were made while officers were on scheduled patrol shifts, thanks to dedicated funding from the Oregon Department of Transportation, officers also worked on DUII patrols during holidays and high traffic times to help reduce the number of impaired drivers on local roadways.

EPD Chief Jim Hamilton said the first DUII arrest of 2024 was made just after midnight on January 1st, showing this trend does not seem to be slowing down. He said officers will continue their focus for this year, and they are determined to work to reduce the number of crashes and injuries caused by impaired drivers.

Chief Hamilton -- formerly a Captain with the Grants Pass Police Department -- said his new agency will take part in focused enforcement with partner agencies in Jackson County during 2024. He said the number of DUII arrests continues to increase and it requires increased focus and enforcement.