Medford City Council Public Health and Community Safety Committee

The Medford City Council Public Health and Community Safety Committee met on July 15, 2026, to discuss Resolution 26031, a proposed ordinance aimed at requiring law enforcement officers to identify themselves and protect Fourth Amendment rights. The ordinance includes provisions restricting law enforcement from wearing masks or disguises except under specific conditions and mandates clear identification during arrests and enforcement actions. The resolution also codifies existing police department policies on verifying law enforcement identification, especially in cases involving officers from other agencies. The committee discussed the ordinance's intent to enhance community safety and constitutional protections, particularly in response to recent incidents involving ICE agents. After public comments and councilor discussions, the committee voted to move the ordinance out of committee for further debate at a regular council meeting. No specific procurement, contracting, or budgetary matters were addressed during this meeting.