The Meridian Police Department is a premier organization valued for its innovation, positive culture, community partnerships, and core values. Their quality of service to the community is known across the state, and that is no coincidence. They have, what we call, a three-prong approach to their work: education, prevention, and enforcement. All components are needed for success. Between their hiring process and training, to their community events and prevention programs, they are a leading agency in the State of Idaho.

To be a Police Officer In the State of Idaho, individuals must complete the Idaho Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Basic Patrol Officer Certification course within a year of being hired. In 2019, the Meridian Police Department and the Nampa Police Department collaborated to conduct the first Meridian-Nampa Joint Patrol Academy which meets the POST certifications at the Public Safety Training Center in Meridian. Conducting a Joint Patrol Academy allows both agencies to structure the training cycle to align with both departments' cultures and policies, while also ensuring new officers learn the necessary skills and knowledge it takes to serve our communities. Just last week was the 11^th graduating class from the academy which celebrated eight new Meridian Police Officers. Congratulations to our new graduates and those who have helped them along the way.

Recently the Meridian Police Department held its fourth Youth Academy. The Youth Academy is open to youth ages 14-18 years old who have an interest in law enforcement and is designed to give Meridian youth the opportunity to learn about the police department. It also allows them to gain an understanding of the functions and responsibilities that come with providing law enforcement services in the City of Meridian. The academy runs during the summer and allows approximately 24 students to participate.  If you know someone who might be interested in participating next summer, please contact the crime prevention unit at 208-895-3341 or email crimeprevention@meridiancity.org.

Similar to the Youth Academy, the Meridian Police and Fire Departments host a Public Safety Academy for adults citizens to learn more about our first responders and understand the resources available to them. This is roughly a 10-week course taught by police and fire personnel. It provides community members with a behind-the-scenes, in-depth look at Meridian public safety. Attendees meet once a week and two Saturdays and will learn about police and fire procedures, communications, and specialty units.

Speaking of engaged citizens, tomorrow is the annual event, National Night Out. National Night Out is an annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our neighborhoods safer, and better places to live. It enhances the relationship between neighborhoods and law enforcement while bringing back a true sense of community and provides a great opportunity to bring police and neighborhoods together. Neighborhoods throughout Meridian gather on this evening as a community. Each neighborhood unites in a way that is unique to its residents. Some neighborhoods have a block party, a BBQ, throw a pool party, or just simply hang out and chat. First responders such as personnel from the Meridian Police Department, the Meridian Fire Department, and Ada County Paramedics as well as City Officials visit each party. This is an event that our public safety personnel look forward to every year. If your neighborhood isn’t participating this year and you want to help make it happen next year, you can reach out to Meridian Police Crime Prevention at 208-895-3341 or email crimeprevention@meridiancity.org. For those neighborhoods participating, thank you, and make it a great evening.

Our community knows that the Meridian Police Department is always available and willing to help someone in need. They are our problem solvers and being a resource for our community is one of their top priorities. Please join me in continuing to share my gratitude to our men and women in blue so they may continue to feel the support and know how much they are appreciated in keeping Meridian a safe place to live, work, and raise a family.