Two Meridian police officers are accused of being involved in a physical altercation with a juvenile at the Lauderdale County Juvenile Center. Formal charges have not been filed, but an investigation has been launched.

The alleged incident happened Apr. 21. Two male officers are accused of entering the cell of a male juvenile incarcerated at the juvenile center.

Police Chief Benny Dubose said a physical altercation occurred between the two officers and the juvenile inside the cell and an internal affairs investigation was launched immediately. He said the officers are suspended.

"Based on the information that we received from the juvenile, the two officers were suspended pending service of formal disciplinary charges," Dubose said.

The chief said the officers should not have entered the cell. He did not confirm if the juvenile was enticing the officers, but even if he was, Dubose said they should not have taken action.

"You do not have the ability to carry out that threat while you're behind bars. Any threats of any nature should be ignored and officers are trained to know that. There's just no excuse," said Dubose.

The chief said he's embarrassed because this is the first time he can remember in his 26 years of service with MPD that an incident of this nature has happened.

"This type of action is going to leave a blemish on this department regardless of what we do," Dubose said.

He said the investigation has lead the department to dig deeper and more incidents have been reported involving one of the two officers.

"Individuals coming forth, not necessarily with physical assault, but inappropriate conduct on the part of one of these officers on more than one occasion," said Dubose.

Dubose said the internal investigation should be complete by next week. He said the two officers will appear before a circuit court judge May 30 for a probable cause hearing on charges of simple assault.