Thank you for visiting the Meridian Police Department web page. The Meridian Police Department is a full service, professional law enforcement agency serving the needs of the residents of the City of Meridian. Currently, there are 115 sworn slots within the police department. Part-time and sworn reserve officers supplement this number. There are also 16 non-sworn support employees. The Meridian Police Department is responsible for providing law enforcement services to 45.54 square miles of territory, with a population of approximately 39,000 citizens (2000 Census).

Police Chief Lee Shelbourn has been with the department since September 30, 2009.

Our Asst. Chief of Police position is vacant at this time.

They are assisted by: Capt. Jame Sharpe (Detective Division 601-485-1859), Capt. Jeff Lewis (Operations Division 601-485-1846), and Capt. Rick McCary (Administrative Captain 601-484-6830).

Meridian police officers have training in working traffic crashes, investigations, and weapons of mass destruction. Some officers have advanced training in crash reconstruction, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), and violent crimes (VCU).

Generally, police officers who are on patrol are the first ones to arrive on the scene of any crisis and take charge of the situation. We have six motorcycle patrol units that work a majority of the traffic details.

Grants from different sources such as Sam's and The Riley Foundation have allowed us additional funding to serve the citizens of Meridian. A grant from the MS Department of Public Safety Planning allows us to work many overtime hours to enforce DUI, Seatbelt, and Child Passenger Safety Laws. Various other grants awarded to us have allowed overtime work on the underage alcohol compliance check, domestic violence equipment/supplies, and officer's salary. Grants from The Department of Justice and Wal-Mart have provided us with bulletproof vests.

Our officers and civilians stay involved in our community by working with the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life, as well as many other projects, such as Christmas with a cop. Officers are available who can come to your organization, school, or civic group to speak or participate at your event. Child Safety Seat Technicians can install your child seat in your vehicle. For more information on this call Capt. Rick McCary (Administrative Captain) at 601-484-6830 or at rickymccary@meridianms.org.

Our patrol division works on 12-hour shifts utilizing four platoons, two day shifts, and two night shifts. Capt. Jeff Lewis is the commander of all patrol shifts. Capt. Jame Sharpe is the commander over the criminal investigations division and he is assisted by Sgt. Chad Johnson, contact phone number 601-485-1859.

DARE: Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a program that is taught in schools by sworn police officers. We currently only have one full-time officer who teaches DARE in area schools.

If we can assist you in any other way please feel free to contact us at 601-485-1893 or police@meridianms.org.

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Frequently Asked Questions

No. The owner may have allowed someone to borrow the vehicle or it could have been stolen.

Yes. State law says if the two ever had a relationship, even if they have parted ways, the charge can be brought. Examples could be ex-spouses, former boyfriend and girlfriend or the existence of a child biologically theirs.

State statute says the item has to have a value of $500 or more for the theft to be a felony.

If the officer believes a crime is being committed, when the officer knows for certain a wanted individual is in the house or with a duly sworn search warrant, the officer may enter a house without the occupants' permission.

In order for the officer to write such a citation, he has to witness the infraction himself.

No city ordinance has ever been written dealing with cats; however, all domesticated animals in the city are supposed to have rabies vaccination tags on collars around their necks. If a cat is known to be at large with no known owner, animal control can set a trap to capture the animal.

No. By law, only the Mississippi Highway Patrol is authorized to do this.

An expired tag is a MOVING violation. If there is no driver and the vehicle is not moving, no ticket can be issued.

The city ordinance states that the speed limit is 30 miles per hour unless otherwise posted.

No. State law says that only vehicles designated as emergency response vehicles may use sirens.