WKU Sociology & Criminology Alumni Profiles

---

Jared Merriss '04

Jared Merriss is currently a Patrol Sergeant at the Bowling Green Police Department and has been with the Department for 13 years.  Before that, he was a Detective for 8.5 years in the Criminal Investigations Division.  He got his career start during an internship with the BGPD.  Before that, he worked as a Mental Health Associate for Rivendell Behavioral Health during his senior year at WKU.  Jared majored in Sociology and minored in Criminology.  Reflecting on his time in the Department, he writes, “I will never forget Dr. Ed Bohlander. I enjoyed every class I had with him. I would take classes just because he was teaching it. He had a way of teaching that allowed me to grasp and retain the subject matter. I was very sad at his passing. I will never forget him.” 

 

Jared emphasizes the opportunity to make a difference through his work with the BGPD.  In his words, “The best part about working for the Bowling Green Police Department is being able to interact with the people in this community. I love talking to people and truly helping them. Arresting people is part of this job, but actually being able to help someone by doing something very minor that is important to them is my favorite thing to do. I also like to show people that the police are just people like them. We sometimes have the unfortunate job to see some people on their worst days.”

 

His advice for those who are interested in policing is to do an internship or go on a ride-along.  “There is also the Citizens Police Academy that allows people to see everything this department has to offer. Working for the city has excellent health benefits and also has withstood a recession during my career here. If you are someone who wants to help people as your number one goal, this job is for you.”