Police
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 105 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).
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 officers' salaries. 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. Wade Johnson (Administrative Captain) at 601-485-1846 or e-mail michaeljohnson@meridianms.org or police@meridianms.org.
Our patrol division works on 12-hour shifts utilizing four platoons, two day shifts, and two night shifts. Capt. Wade Johnson is the commander of all patrol shifts. Lt. Dean Harper is the commander over the criminal investigations division and he is assisted by Sgt. David Latting (601-485-1859).
DARE: Drug Abuse Resistance Education is a program that is taught in schools by sworn police officers. We currently have one full-time officer who teaches DARE in area schools.
UPDATE: After years of planning, the Meridian Police Department will finally be able to look forward to moving into a building without leaks, mold and problems with heating and cooling.
The City Council approved plans for the new Police Department to be located in the old Cowboy Maloney building through a lease purchase agreement which will keep from affecting the city’s debt rating and financing through bonds. This will benefit both the employees of the Police Department as well as the citizens of Meridian.
If we can assist you in any other way please feel free to contact us at 601-485-1893 or police@meridianms.org.