Meridian Civil Service Commission reaches decision regarding Rita Jack’s status with MPD

MERIDIAN, Miss. (WTOK) - A decision was made Thursday in the case of the City of Meridian vs. Rita Jack. The Meridian Civil Service Commission voted 3 to 2 to uphold Jack’s termination from the Meridian Police Department.

The original ruling at the hearing was that Jack was terminated. Chairman Greg Elliot then made a motion to modify Jack’s position at the department, meaning she wouldn’t be fired; the motion was accepted. The board made a final ruling that ultimately led to the termination of Jack from the department.

Jack said this will not be the last time the city hears her name as she announced that she will be considering going into politics. She also shared her thoughts on the final ruling.

“I knew walking into this that was a possibility because this has been my whole career. I have been knocked down, beaten up, denied promotion, and some of everything. I still come back for more. I do that because I love my community and those I serve. With that being said, I am not going away. I am not going away, and I will be back. The elections are coming up. There have been members of the community who have reached out to me to consider that and I am. I will have an announcement coming soon,” said Jack.

According to MPD, the former police lieutenant was terminated earlier this year for claiming time for which she was not working. Jack’s attorney contended his client followed protocol.

Jack sought reinstatement to her job through a civil service appeal, which ended up taking place in two parts due to severe weather that happened the day of the initial hearing.

Jack has the option of appealing the Civil Service Commission’s decision through Lauderdale County Circuit Court.

Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2022 WTOK. All rights reserved.