Meridian Police Visit Smith Learning Center to Teach Kids About Safety and Community

This week, the students at Smith Learning Center got a special visit from the Meridian Police Department—and it was anything but an ordinary school day.

As part of a community outreach effort, local officers stopped by to meet with the kids, share what they do, and remind them that police officers are here to help. The visit included a tour of a real police patrol car, an introduction to a K-9 officer and their furry partner, and some fun, interactive safety lessons tailored just for young learners.

The officers talked with the kids about when it’s important to call 911, how to recognize a police officer, and how law enforcement works to keep the community safe. One major theme of the visit was reassuring the children that police officers are the “good guys”—trusted adults they can turn to if they’re ever in trouble or need help.

The highlight for many students? Meeting the police dog! Wide-eyed and full of questions, the kids learned how K-9 units assist officers in searching for missing people, detecting dangerous items, and protecting their human partners.

Staff at the center said the visit was a hit and helped build trust and understanding between the children and local law enforcement.

“We want our students to feel safe and know that police are people they can count on,” said one teacher. “This kind of connection makes a big difference.”

The Meridian Police Department plans to continue visits like this as part of their effort to build strong, positive relationships in the community—starting with the youngest residents.