7 Critical Facts You Need To Know About The City Of McMinnville Police Department In 2025

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The City of McMinnville Police Department (MPD) is the primary law enforcement agency serving the city of McMinnville, Oregon, and its operations are continually evolving to meet the needs of a growing community. As of December 2025, the department is focused on maintaining its accredited status, implementing targeted crime reduction strategies, and strengthening its community policing initiatives.

This in-depth overview provides the most current information available, highlighting key personnel, the latest crime statistics from the 2024 Annual Report, and the policies driving the department’s mission to ensure a safer, healthier place to live, learn, work, and play in Yamhill County. The MPD operates from its headquarters at 121 SW Adams St, McMinnville, OR 97128.

Chief of Police Cord Wood: A Profile in Leadership

The McMinnville Police Department is led by Chief of Police Cord Wood, a leader with a strong background in Oregon law enforcement and a clear commitment to professional standards and community engagement. His leadership is central to the department’s strategic direction and commitment to best practices.

  • Current Role: Chief of Police, McMinnville Police Department (MPD).
  • Accreditation Focus: Under his guidance, the MPD maintains its status as an accredited police agency by the Oregon Accreditation Alliance, ensuring all policies conform to established best practices.
  • State Commission Experience: Chief Wood has served as a Commissioner on the Law Enforcement Standards and Certification (LESC) Commission, demonstrating his involvement in shaping state-level police policy and professional standards.
  • Previous Experience: Prior to his role as Chief, he served as a Station Commander for the Oregon State Police, bringing a wealth of experience in managing diverse law enforcement operations.
  • Department Leadership: Chief Wood works closely with Deputy Chief Michael Lane to manage the day-to-day operations and strategic goals of the department.

The 2024 Annual Report: Key Crime and Traffic Statistics

The McMinnville Police Department’s 2024 Annual Report provides a critical snapshot of crime trends and operational successes, offering transparency to the residents of McMinnville. This data is essential for understanding the current public safety landscape and the MPD’s focus areas for 2025.

A Look at the Latest Crime Trends

The 2024 report highlighted several key shifts in criminal activity within the city. While overall crime rates are a constant focus, the department noted specific increases and successes in targeted areas.

  • Weapons Violations: The department reported an increase in weapons violations during the 2024 reporting period. This trend signals a need for increased focus on illegal firearm activity and related enforcement strategies.
  • Accident Reduction Success: A significant goal for the department was realized in 2024, with a measurable decrease in total traffic accidents. This success is directly attributed to focused traffic enforcement and safety initiatives implemented by the Operations Division.
  • Property and Retail Crime: Looking ahead to 2025, the MPD is positioned to utilize new state laws designed to crack down on retail theft and property crime, providing new tools to combat issues like smash-and-grab incidents.

The department’s commitment to data-driven policing, as evidenced by the annual report, allows for dynamic resource allocation and policy adjustments to address emerging threats and sustain positive trends. The budget for 2025-2026 also reflects these priorities, ensuring adequate funding for personnel and technology.

Current Policies and High-Profile Incidents (2024-2025)

The McMinnville Police Department operates under a comprehensive policy manual that adheres to the best practices required for Oregon Accreditation Alliance status. Recent events and ongoing discussions have placed a spotlight on specific operational policies, particularly regarding the use of force and community response protocols.

Focus on Use of Force Guidelines

The MPD has been proactive in communicating its current policies, specifically those surrounding the department’s use of force guidelines. This transparency is a direct response to community inquiries and a commitment to accountability. The policies are regularly reviewed to ensure they align with legal standards and ethical practices.

One tragic incident in 2024 involved McMinnville officers responding to a request for help for a suicidal male, which resulted in a police shooting. Such critical incidents necessitate an immediate, thorough investigation and often lead to a review of crisis intervention and de-escalation training protocols.

Major 2024 Incident Responses

The department was called upon to handle several significant incidents throughout 2024, demonstrating its operational readiness and collaboration with other agencies.

  • High School Coach Investigation: In June 2024, the MPD initiated an investigation into concerns about physical contact involving a high school head football coach. This case highlighted the department’s role in protecting vulnerable populations within the community.
  • Major Crash Investigation: In August 2024, MPD personnel, assisted by the Yamhill County Major Crash Investigation Response Team, managed a complex crash investigation that required a highway closure. This demonstrates the MPD's capacity to handle serious traffic incidents beyond routine enforcement.
  • Regional Collaboration: The MPD is a key partner in a new drug enforcement team established with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office and the Newberg-Dundee Police Department, focusing on community outreach and education efforts aimed at prevention.

Community Policing and Outreach Initiatives

Community policing remains a cornerstone of the McMinnville Police Department’s philosophy. The department is actively engaged in programs designed to foster strong relationships between law enforcement and the residents they serve, which is crucial for overall public safety.

Volunteer and Engagement Programs

The MPD relies on dedicated community volunteers to enhance its operational capacity. These volunteers perform a variety of essential functions, freeing up sworn officers for core law enforcement duties.

  • Volunteer Functions: Volunteers assist with public fingerprinting, delivery of mail and documents, and enforcement of handicap parking regulations.
  • Community Safety Focus: The department’s community policing initiatives are explicitly designed to make the city safer and more livable, going beyond simple enforcement to proactive problem-solving.
  • Driver Safety School: The MPD also hosts a Driver Safety School, managed by Detective Sergeant Stuart Whitman, for intermittent traffic offenders as an educational alternative to traditional penalties.

Furthermore, the MPD collaborates with the Yamhill County Sheriff's Office on programs like the Citizens' Academy, which provides residents with an in-depth, nine-week look into law enforcement operations. This educational outreach is vital for building mutual understanding and trust between the police and the public.

Future Outlook and Strategic Goals for 2025

As the McMinnville Police Department moves into 2025, its strategic goals are clear: to maintain professional excellence through accreditation, address the rise in specific crimes like weapons violations, and deepen its commitment to community-oriented policing. The availability of the 2025-2026 Proposed Budget highlights a continued investment in these priorities.

The ongoing communication regarding use of force policies and the transparent reporting of major incidents demonstrate a commitment to accountability that is increasingly important in modern policing. By focusing on data-driven strategies and strong inter-agency collaboration, the MPD is well-positioned to serve the evolving needs of the McMinnville community.

7 Critical Facts You Need to Know About the City of McMinnville Police Department in 2025
city of mcminnville police department
city of mcminnville police department

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