What are Jackson County Public Records?
The Oregon Public Records Law describes Jackson County public records as information created or used by public agencies to carry out official functions. Under the law, public records include all writings, photographs, pictures, papers, sounds, or electronic records. Every person has a right to inspect or obtain copies of all public records. Nonetheless, the law states some exemptions to the presumption of public access. Some of these include:
- Correspondence within a public entity or between two public agencies if the communication contains preliminary details of a policy or action
- Personal information if disclosure would be an unnecessary invasion of privacy
- Investigatory records created for purposes related to criminal law, except arrest records or crime reports
- Employment testing data
- Real estate appraisals before an acquisition
- Personnel discipline records
Jackson County Crime Statistics
Every year, the Oregon State Police publishes annual uniform crime reporting data for all counties in the state. The OSP classifies offenses into property, person, society, and other crimes. In 2020, the OSP reported a total of 31,649 offenses, including 2,100 crimes against persons, 8,520 crimes against society, 8,776 crimes against property, and 12,253 other crimes. Some reported person crimes include 664 simple assaults, 345 aggravated assaults, 36 cases of forcible rape, 14 kidnappings, 4 willful murders, 1 case of negligent homicide, and 1 justifiable homicide.
The OSP reported property crimes, such as 1,957 cases of vandalism, 974 fraud offenses, 548 burglaries, 99 robberies, 13 cases of embezzlement, 7 extortion/blackmail cases, 2 briberies, and 84 cases of arson. For society crimes, there were 2 prostitution crimes, 36 pornography/obscene material offenses, 1,689 drug/narcotic offenses, and 329 liquor law violations. Other offenses include 1,840 traffic crimes and 84 marine violations. The published data also shows more crimes committed in July (3,724) than any other month.
Are Jackson County Criminal Records Public?
Oregon law allows public access to criminal records in the state. All residents may obtain Jackson County criminal records that are not sealed or otherwise considered private. Interested persons may obtain Jackson criminal records from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office's Criminal Records Section. Contact the Sheriff's Office using the details below:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
5179 Crater Lake Highway
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-6800
The Oregon State Police also provides public access to criminal history information through its Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division. After receiving a request, the OSP will notify the subject of the record, allowing the person to challenge the information on the record. If the person does not do so within 14 days, the requestor will receive the record as available. Note that only arrest and conviction information is obtainable for third-party requests if the information is less than one year old and no dismissal or acquittal has been recorded. Available details include:
- Offense information
- Date of arrest
- Arresting agency
- Court of origin
- Disposition information, including sentence, parole date, and any possible parole revocations
How to Obtain Jackson County Police Reports and Arrest Records
Interested requestors may obtain police reports from the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. Jackson County arrest records and police reports are available to the public through the Criminal Records Section. Interested parties may make public records requests by completing the request form. Submitted forms must include a detailed description of the desired record, including the names of involved persons, incident dates and locations, the arresting officer, and other necessary details. Copies cost 55 cents for the first page and 15 cents for each subsequent page. An extra request fee may be applicable. Send the request to:
Jackson County Sheriff's Office
5179 Crater Lake Highway
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-6800
Note: While most police reports are public, the Sheriff's Office may restrict access to records regarding cases under investigation, reports involving juveniles, and records that may compromise property or personnel of the Sheriff's Office. Some reports may not be obtainable without the permission of a commander or manager.
How to Find Sex Offender Information in Jackson County
The Oregon State Police maintains a searchable online database for information on registered sex offenders in the state. The database only displays Level 3 sex offenders since these persons are more likely to re-offend. The OSP's registry provides a map search where interested persons may enter locations in Oregon to find registered sex offenders in the area. There also is a name search that allows users to enter the county to be searched, along with the offender's first, last, and middle names. Available details include identifying information on each offender, a residential address, and a photograph.
How to Find Jackson County Inmate Records
Records of persons incarcerated in the county are available online courtesy of the Jackson County Sheriff's Office. The current inmate list provides links at the bottom of the page, allowing users access to information on currently incarcerated persons according to the first letter of each person's name. The inmate list shows each offender's full name, age, physical description, charge details, and the arresting agency. Users may also view each inmate's photograph, booking date, and release date if the person is no longer in custody.
How Do I Visit an Inmate in the Jackson County Jail?
The Jackson County Jail only permits scheduled visits. Visitors are required to contact the jail at least 24 hours in advance. Visitation appointments are strictly by the inmate's location in the jail. Visitors must make themselves available on the day scheduled for the inmate's housing area. All visitors must arrive at the facility at least 15 minutes before the scheduled time. Adults must present valid photo identification. Visitors under 18 years old may only visit if accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. The adult must present official documentation to prove a relationship with the juvenile and will be held responsible for the juvenile's behavior at all times during the visit. The Jackson County Jail will not allow any visitor under the age of 10.
Each prisoner at the Jackson County Jail fills out an Active Visitor List after their booking into the facility. Each list contains a maximum of 10 people, including children, that may visit the inmate. Only persons on inmate lists may visit the facility.
Officials will search visitors upon entry. Any person under the influence of an intoxicant will be denied entry. Visitors must dress appropriately without any see-through, revealing, transparent, or gang-related clothing. Note that persons currently on parole or probation are not allowed to visit. Visitation privileges are also not extended to persons incarcerated in the Jackson County Jail within the past 12 months.
Court Records
Depending on case type, matters are heard by the Jackson County Circuit, Juvenile, Municipal, and Justice Courts. The Circuit Court has general jurisdiction over all cases and also operates small claims and treatment programs. The Municipal Court has limited jurisdiction over certain cases, including traffic, criminal, and municipal ordinance violations. The Justice Court also has limited jurisdiction over some criminal and civil cases. Jackson County courts allow public access to court records.
Locations of Courts in Jackson County
Jackson County Circuit Court
Justice Building
100 South Oakdale Avenue
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 776-7171
Fax: (541) 776-7057
Jackson County Juvenile Court
Juvenile Services Building
609 West 10th Street
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 776-7171, extension 585
Fax: (541) 776-7057
Ashland Municipal Court
Civic Center
1175 East Main Street
Ashland, OR 97520
Phone: (541) 482-5214
Fax: (541) 488-5586
Central Point Municipal Court
4173 Hamrick Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-1286
Fax: (541) 774-1288
Email: justicecourt@jacksoncounty.org
Eagle Point Municipal Court
17 Buchanan Avenue
P.O. Box 779
Eagle Point, OR 97524
Phone: (541) 826-4212
Fax: (541) 826-6155
Gold Hill Municipal Court
420 6th Avenue
P.O. Box 308
Gold Hill, OR 97525
Phone: (541) 855-1525
Fax: (541) 855-4501
Jacksonville Municipal Court
110 East Main Street
P.O. Box 7
Jacksonville, OR 97530
Phone: (541) 899-1231
Medford Municipal Court
411 West 8th Street
Room 210
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-2040
Fax: (541) 618-1706
Email: court@cityofmedford.org
Phoenix Municipal Court
112 West 2nd Street
P.O. Box 330
Phoenix, OR 97535
Phone: (541) 535-1955
Fax: (541) 535-5769
Rogue River Municipal Court
133 Broadway Street
P.O. Box 1137
Rogue River, OR 97537
Phone: (541) 582-4401
Jackson County Justice Court
4173 Hamrick Road
Central Point, OR 97502
Phone: (541) 774-1286
Fax: (541) 774-1288
Email: justicecourt@jacksoncounty.org
Are Jackson County Court Records Public?
Jackson County court records are public documents. All residents may visit county courts or send requests to obtain copies of court records. However, this right of access does not cover expunged court records. Also, access to juvenile court records is restricted to certain related persons or agencies. In addition to these, records may be exempt from public disclosure on a case-by-case basis if the records disclose information considered private or sensitive.
Can You Look up a Jackson County Court Case Online?
Jackson County court records can be accessed via the online services platform provided by the Oregon Judicial Branch (OJD). Record seekers can use the OJD Online Records Search to find records by entering a record number or a litigant's name. The platform also offers multiple filtering options to streamline search results. Note that online records are not official records and should not be used for official purposes.
How to Obtain Jackson County Court Case Records
The Records Department of the Jackson County Circuit issues copies of court records to interested persons. Jackson County court records are obtainable by regular mail, phone, fax, or in person. Each copy costs 25 cents per page. Certified and exemplified copies cost $5 and $10 per document, respectively. To request a Jackson court record by mail, interested parties will need to download and complete the records request form with a case number, case name, and the requestor's contact details. The completed form is then sent to:
Jackson County Circuit Court
Justice Building
Attention: Records/Archives
100 South Oakdale Avenue
Medford, OR 97501-3127
Requestors may also send completed request forms by fax to (541) 776-7057. To request by phone, call (541) 776-7171, extension 4200. A staff member will ask the caller to provide details as required by the request form. Persons may also visit the public room window on the Justice Building's 1st floor for in-person requests. Visit from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. every weekday. The Records Department also receives copy requests from persons who send the online form by email to jackson.case.file.request@ojd.state.or.us. Electronic copies cost 20 cents per page.
What are Jackson County Vital Records?
Jackson County vital records document deaths, births, divorces, and marriages in the county. Vital records are requestable from the Circuit Court, County Clerk, Vital Records Office, or the Oregon Health Authority's Vital Records Office. Under Oregon law, Jackson County vital records are not public records.
Where and How to Obtain Jackson County Divorce Records
Jackson County divorce records are available at the Circuit Court. Interested residents may contact the court with details of the record, such as both parties' names, divorce date, and other related judgment specifics. To obtain a Jackson County divorce decree, contact the court at:
Jackson County Circuit Court
Justice Building
100 South Oakdale Avenue
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 776-7171, extension 582
Fax: (541) 776-7057
Residents may also obtain Jackson County divorce certificates from the state's Vital Records Office. Access to Jackson divorce certificates is restricted for the first 50 years to the following:
- Either registrant named on the record
- Either registrant's spouse, domestic partner, adult child or grandchild, parent, grandparent, sibling, legal guardian, or legal representative
Each certificate costs $25, payable by checks or money orders made out to "OHA/Vital Records." To request, send a completed divorce record order form, a copy of a legal document confirming eligibility, and a copy of a valid ID as described on the form. Send to:
Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
Where and How to Get Confidential Marriage Records in Jackson County
Contact the Jackson County Clerk to obtain copies of Jackson County marriage records. Under Oregon law, Jackson marriage records are not public information. Access is restricted to the married parties, immediate family members, a legal representative, or a legal guardian. An eligible person may send a completed marriage record request form to the county clerk. Certified copies of Jackson marriage records cost $7.75 for the first copy and $4 for each additional copy of the same record. Send the form with a self-addressed stamped envelope to:
Jackson County Clerk's Office
10 South Oakdale Avenue
Room 114
Medford, OR 97501
Where and How to Find Jackson County Birth Records
The Oregon Health Authority's Vital Records Office issues copies of Jackson County birth certificates. Access to these records is restricted for 100 years from the date of birth. Within this period, only the following persons may obtain copies:
- The person named on the record is at least 15 years old
- A registered spouse or domestic partner
- A child, parent, sibling, grandchild, grandparent, legal guardian, authorized representative, or legal representative
- A current stepparent until the child turns 18
To obtain a Jackson birth certificate, fill the birth record order form in English or Spanish with the person's full name on record, date, and place of birth, sex, and parents' full names. Attach a copy of a valid ID or legal representative document as described on the order form. Each birth record costs $25. Make payments via checks or money orders payable to "OHA/Vital Records." Send the request to:
Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
Requestors may obtain birth certificates from the Jackson County Health and Human Services if the record is less than six months old. Send a completed English or Spanish birth certificate order form and valid photo ID to:
Jackson Vital Records Department
140 South Holly Street
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-8000
Each form costs $25, payable by checks made out to "Jackson County Health."
Where and How to Find Jackson County Death Records
Jackson County death records are available at the state's Vital Records Office. For 50 years after the date of death, access is restricted to the decedent's current spouse, domestic partner, adult child, immediate family members, and an authorized representative. Records are only available for births since 1978. Requesting a Jackson County death certificate requires completing an English or Spanish death record order form with the decedent's full name, date and place of death, and spouse's name. Each record costs $25, payable with a check or money order made out to "OHA/Vital Records." Send the form with payment and valid photo ID to:
Oregon Vital Records
P.O. Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
Jackson County Health and Human Services issues certificates of deaths less than six months old. Each record costs $25. Eligible persons may send completed copies of the death certificate order form available in English or Spanish with a valid photo ID to:
Jackson Vital Records Department
140 South Holly Street
Medford, OR 97501
Phone: (541) 774-8000
