Medford Police Chief Scott Clauson has announced his retirement from the Medford Police Department (MPD) effective January 1, 2022, after 27 years of service to the City. This comes as a new Oregon law relating to public employees' retirement takes effect.

“This decision is bittersweet. The police department, as well as City staff, have become like a second family to me,” Clauson wrote in a press release. “This decision is largely due to the recent changes to the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS), specifically related to HB1049 that went into effect this year.”

The bill removes certain hourly limits on retirement benefits placed on public servants who choose to work after retirement. It also caps the amount of retirement contributions given to public employees in a certain pay bracket.

"While I don't make the salary cap of $195,000, tier-one public employees have always been able to sell back their vacation time and so that gets included (placing him in the salary bracket that caps contributions)," Clauson explained. "Last year you saw a lot of public employees leave back in December to avoid those new rules."

He pointed out during a phone interview, that the only reason he included this explanation is because he does not want to give the public the impression that his reason for leaving had anything to do with the department itself.

"I'm extremely happy here! This city is a great place to work," he said. "I didn't want there to be any rumor whatsoever that I was disgruntled or unhappy with leadership. That is absolutely not the case."

Clauson began his law enforcement career as a part-time Community Service Officer and was later hired as a Police Officer in July 1995. He has served on multiple department units including the Crisis Negotiation Team, Financial Crimes Division, Gang & Street Drugs, and was a School Resource Officer. In 2019, he was appointed Police Chief.

"Under Clauson’s leadership, the City’s Livability Team was implemented and has become a model for other City’s interested in alternative police response for people suffering mental

health and substance use disorder," the City of Medford said in a press release. "Clauson was also instrumental in bringing the first Body Worn Camera program to the department in 2016."

City Manager Brian Sjothun noted in the release that Clauson lead the department "through some difficult challenges," during his tenure as chief.

“I am tremendously grateful for his leadership and support as we’ve navigated a global pandemic, social unrest, and implemented new public safety initiatives such as the Livability Team. His commitment to the City of Medford and the Medford Police Department has been incredible," Sjothun wrote.

With Clauson’s retirement, the City will begin the hiring process for a new police chief within the next 30-60 days.

“I am extremely grateful for the many opportunities and support that the City has extended to me. That support has allowed me to have a vibrant and fulfilling career. It has been a privilege and honor to have served this community over the past 27 years,” Clauson wrote.