Meridian Civil Service Commission Reinstates MPD Lieutenant's Job

Yesterday evening in Meridian, the city’s Civil Service Commission reversed Lieutenant Rita Jack’s termination from the Meridian Police Department.

Lieutenant Rita Jack was placed on administrative leave and later terminated in the first week of August, and the provided reason for her termination was due to the misuse of a software system used at the Meridian Police Department. After hearing six witnesses testify, including previous Interim Chief Charles Coleman and Lt. Rita Jack, the Civil Service Commission decided to reverse Lieutenant Jack’s termination, reinstating her.

“I’m Glad to say that she was successful. I appreciate the Civil Service Commissioners, because they heard –they were able to hear finally what the facts were, and were able to come to a decision,” said Joseph Denson, Lt. Jack’s attorney.

“You know, we move forward, its part of the process with the city. We have a civil service commission, just for issues like this, and you know, it’s just city business,” said Percy Bland, Mayor of Meridian.

According to Mayor Percy Bland, the city of Meridian does not plan to appeal the reversal of Lieutenant Rita Jack’s termination.