At the Meridian Police Department, new officers - both entry level and lateral - will have to complete a 12 month introductory period during which they will attend the Meridian-Nampa Joint Patrol Academy. Upon graduation from the academy and successful completion of the Field Training Program, officers will be assigned to the Patrol Division where they will work four 10-hour shifts per week, with three consecutive days off. Officers will have the opportunity to rotate shifts every four months, and may work the following shifts:

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• Day Shift - 7:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

• Swing Shift - 4:00 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

• Graveyard Shift - 9:00 p.m. - 7:00 a.m.

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All officers who are interested in promoting or applying to a specialty unit, must first successfully complete their introductory period, must possess a basic, intermediate, or advanced POST Certification, and must be free from any disciplinary review within the last 12 months.  In addition, most of the specialty units have additional requirements officers must complete before they are eligible to apply for a promotion or specialty position. Additional requirements outlined below: 

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• Corporal: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department and must successfully pass a testing process. 

• Criminal Investigations Division: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department.

• Field Training Officer: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department.

• SWAT, Hostage Negotiator: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department and must be able to pass the PT test (not required for hostage negotiator). 

• Traffic: Must have three years continuous Law Enforcement service and must obtain a STARS Certification.

• K-9 Officer: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department, must be able to securely house K-9 at residence (inspection required), must be able to pass the PT test. Note, K-9 handlers cannot hold supervisor rank or that of an FTO while handling a K-9. 

• Drug Recognition Expert: Must have three years continuous Law Enforcement service and must meet all the requirements as published by POST and the Idaho State Police. 

• Department Instructors: Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer for the Meridian Police Department, must have successfully completed the Instructor Development Course, and must remain proficient and attend on-going training and certification within their subject matter expertise (including yearly classroom/field instruction). 

• School Resource Officers: Candidates must complete their introductory period at the time of appointment. 

• Crisis Intervention Team (CIT): Minimum three years as a sworn Police Officer with the Meridian Police Department.