Meridian Police Officer ask for Pay Raise

A Meridian police officer shared her concerns in a city council meeting today. The officer believes that the department is deserving of a two to three-dollar raise.

With a population of over 40,000 people, crime rates in Meridian have been a posed concern for both the public and officials. Today, in the city council meeting an officer shared her concerns about the shortage on the police force and why she believes the department deserves a raise.

“I think we deserve a raise mainly because the job itself is dangerous and it does require a lot. We wear so many hats, with this job it carries a lot”, said Corporal Chanetta Stevens

Officer Stevens shared that with the low number of officers on the force that she has willingly worked extra shifts because of the safety concerns she has for her counterparts.

“I would feel bad if something were to happen because manpower was so low", stated Stevens. “I could have gotten out of my bed and came to work and offered services. It affects the whole police department, not just certain shifts but everyone.”

Police Chief Deborah Young believes if the department were to get a raise, then it would be beneficial in keeping officers on the force.

“We do need to pay our officers; we need to show our officers that they are appreciated. The average officer is working about three jobs, so it makes it a little difficult for them”, stated Chief Young. “It’s not an excuse for the police department for how things go on in the community with the department, but I do think that once we get the pay up then it will alleviate some of those problems with them working extra jobs.”

Further updates to come as the story develops.