CITY, MPD AND MPSD CAMPUS POLICE JOIN FORCES TO ADDRESS TRUANCY AND ENFORCE DAYTIME CURFEW

By Greer Vari
Published August 6, 2026
11:57 am

PRESS RELEASE

CITY, MPD AND MPSD CAMPUS POLICE JOIN FORCES TO ADDRESS TRUANCY AND ENFORCE DAYTIME CURFEW

Joint effort emphasizes student attendance, public safety and parental responsibility

MERIDIAN, Miss. — With Meridian Public School District students returning to class, the City of Meridian, the Meridian Police Department and the Meridian Public School District Campus Police Department are joining together to remind students, parents and guardians that Meridian’s daytime curfew and compulsory school attendance laws will be enforced.

The purpose of this joint effort is both educational and preventative. City and school officials want families to understand the law, avoid unnecessary violations and ensure that students are where they belong during the school day: in the classroom.

Under Section 16-154(b) of the Meridian Code of Ordinances, it is unlawful for a compulsory-school-age child to remain on a public street, highway, park, vacant lot or other place within the city during the following hours while school is in session:

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday: 8:45 a.m. until 2:45 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:45 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

The Wednesday time differs because of the school district’s early-release schedule. Exceptions recognized by the ordinance and applicable attendance laws will continue to apply.

“This message begins with education and awareness, but the ordinance will be enforced,” said Meridian Police Department Assistant Chief Dareall Thompson. “This is not about looking for ways to punish children. It is about protecting them, supporting our schools and making sure parents and guardians know where their children are during the school day. The Meridian Police Department will work closely with MPSD Campus Police, and repeated violations will carry consequences.”

Under Section 16-156, when an officer has probable cause to believe a minor is violating the ordinance, the minor may be transported to the Meridian Police Department and the child’s parent or guardian will be contacted. The parent or guardian will receive notice of the violation and information regarding the ordinance.

Following that warning, additional violations may result in enforcement against the parent or guardian. The ordinance establishes a $25 fine for a first parental offense, with increasing fines for subsequent offenses. Third and additional violations may also result in community service, and repeated violations by a minor may be referred for action under Mississippi Youth Court law.

Parents and guardians are encouraged to:

Make sure their children attend school every day and arrive on time.
Communicate with the school when an absence is necessary.
Know where their children are during school hours.
Make certain students have appropriate authorization when legally absent from campus.

The City of Meridian, MPD and MPSD Campus Police share one objective: keeping students safe, in school and connected to the people and resources that can help them succeed. Parents and citizens are encouraged to contact the Meridian Police Department with any concerns.

Students belong in school. Attendance matters, and the law will be enforced.