Meridian Police Department to receive special grant

During the city council meeting this morning, a grant was passed to benefit some local law enforcement. The council passed a grant that will provide a little over $11,000 to the Meridian Police Department for officers who work over-time during the holidays. Chief Benny Dubose says during holidays with an increase in travel, there is an increase in law enforcement presence on the streets. This presence can include extra stops for impaired drivers and safety checkpoints.

“Well, actually, it makes the streets safer for the visitors in the community as well as our community members. So, it’s a win-win for the state and for the city,” says Chief Dubose.

According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, drunk driving deaths represented 18% of total traffic deaths in 2016.