The Meridian Housing Authority and the Meridian Police Department want to continue to make affordable housing neighborhoods safer and remain committed to strengthening all of Meridian’s public housing communities. National statistics show that public safety is greatly enhanced when police officers live within the neighborhood.
MHA and MPD will continue to implement the HUD approved “Office Next Door” OND program. The program is designed to create safer neighborhoods by allowing MHA to lease units to Meridian police officers.
This collaborative effort has been successful at both Western and Eastern Gardens. Police officers are permitted to lease an apartment for a twelve month period at no cost to the certified police officer. The Meridian Police Department will ensure that the officers involved in the OND program will maintain a high visibility level through active participation in resident association meetings, daily MPD vehicle patrolling and the utilization of other community policing measures authorized by the MPD police chief.
MHA will ensure that all participants of the program are familiar with the agency’s lease agreement. The officer must also reside in the apartment as their primary source of residency during the twelve month program leasing period.
For more information regarding the “Officer Next Door” program, contact Asset Management Coordinator, Trevelle McGlothin at (601) 693-4285.
Ronald J. Turner, Sr., PHM
Executive Director
