Randy Schoen's path to chief of the Medford Police Department began more than 25 years ago when he went on a police ride-along with an old buddy.
Schoen and Craig Amann, who now works for Medford police as a deputy chief of administration, will now work together in making department policy for years to come.
"We grew up together," Schoen said. "He actually was my influence in life that caused me to be a police officer."
Medford City Manager Mike Dyal appointed Schoen to the position Friday after a morning interview.
Schoen has been Medford's deputy chief since 1999. Before that he served nine years as a sergeant and one year as patrol commander. In all, counting stints in Grants Pass and Idaho, he has 27 years of experience under his belt.
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He was instrumental in developing Medford police's SWAT team in 1990, which he cites as one of his top achievements.
His short-term goals for the department include overhauling the agency's Web site to include online report making, crime maps and a public comment section.
He also wants to shake up patrols by consolidating beats, allowing a constant police presence in each area of the city.
"Right now, we have 11 beats, which leaves some places without patrols when we're short-handed," he said. "I want to create six or seven beats and have officers there at all hours."
In addition, he will push non-sworn community service officers to write more reports on minor property crimes, leaving officers free to work more serious cases.
"Not every assignment needs a gun-toting police officer," he said. "This will allow officers to focus on problem areas and problem people."
Reach reporter Chris Conrad at 776-4471, or e-mail cconrad@mailtribune.com.
