MERIDIAN, MISSISSIPPI — As Meridian welcomes residents, alumni, families, and visitors for a weekend of homecoming celebrations, the Meridian Police Department is reminding everyone that public safety remains its highest priority.
Additional officers will be on patrol throughout the weekend, with increased visibility around Friday night's football game, after-game gatherings, celebrations at local venues, and Saturday's Alumni Day activities at Highland Park.
Police Chief Malachi Sanders says the department's message is simple: Enjoy the celebrations, respect the law, and look out for one another.
“We want everyone to have a great homecoming weekend, and we want everyone to make it home safely,” said Chief Sanders. “You'll see more of our officers throughout Meridian, and that's intentional. We're here to protect our citizens, our visitors, and especially our young people. We welcome the celebrations, but we expect everyone to act responsibly.”
The Meridian youth curfew remains in effect and will be enforced:
- Friday and Saturday: Midnight to 6 a.m.
- Sunday through Thursday: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
- Applies to: Individuals 18 years of age and younger, subject to applicable exceptions.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to know where their children are, who they're with, and when they should be home.
The department also reminds motorists to obey traffic laws, avoid impaired driving, and exercise additional caution around crowds and pedestrian areas. Officers will take appropriate enforcement action when laws are violated or public safety is threatened.
“Homecoming is about school pride, community pride, and bringing people together,” Sanders added. “Our officers will be doing their jobs so everyone else can enjoy the weekend. Let's make this a homecoming we remember for all the right reasons.”
The Meridian, Mississippi Police Department wishes everyone a safe and enjoyable homecoming weekend.