Mississippi state expects people hoping to become police officers in Mississippi to meet particular standards. These requirements are laid out in the section below. If those requirements are met, a person can then find a specific open position to apply for. After the initial application, a department may contact you to come in and undergo some testing. If these are passed, you may move on to the panel interview. If the department is still interested in you as a candidate after the panel interview they will do a background check and polygraph. If those are passed, the last step before selection is the psychological tests and medical exam. If an applicant is selected they will then go to a Mississippi  academy of police basic training. After basic training comes field training and then graduation to officer.

Mississippi Requirements for Police Officers

The Mississippi state minimum requirements for officers are that they must be 21, US citizens, and hold a high school diploma or GED equivalent. They also require, like all states, that a person is of good moral character, has committed no felonies and has no history of domestic violence. Finally, Mississippi does prefer that you have resided in the area you are applying for at least 6 months prior to applying, and that you have a valid driver’s license.

The background check will extensively check into previous jobs, schools, friends and family. The polygraph will follow up on the information found. The medical exam will consist of:

  • Drug and alcohol test
  • EKG test
  • Medical physical
  • Examination of any pre-existing conditions
  • Vision and hearing test
  • Cardiovascular assessment
  • Respiratory check
  • Investigation into condition you may be prone to, based upon your medical history

Mississippi Law Enforcement Salaries

The average Mississippi patrol officer salary is approximately 30,000 a year. This does not meet the national average for police officers, but keep in mind that cost of living and other expenses are substantially less in Mississippi than in a lot of other states. Mississippi detectives and investigators make more, on average 45,000 a year. The opportunity for advancement in pay is available for those who are working towards promotion, put in years of service to the force, and also for those with higher education (or a degree in a law enforcement related subject).

Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Programs

Although higher education in Mississippi is not required prior to applying for the police force, it is valued. Therefore, applicants with a degree in criminal justice or something similar may be given a chance over someone without a college degree. It is usually a good plan to pursue some kind of degree post high school as it will make an individual more desired in the job market and the pay will end up being better for the individual.

  • Alcorn State University

1000 ASU Drive, Alcorn, MS 39096

601-877-6100

  • Coahoma Community College

3240 Friars Point Road, Clarksdale, MS 38614

662-627-2571

  • Copiah-Lincoln Community College

1028 JC Redd Drive, Wesson, MS 39191

601-643-5101

  • Delta State University

Highway 8 West, Cleveland, MS 38733

662-846-3000

  • Holmes Community College

1 Hill Street, Goodman, MS 39079

662-472-2312

  • Itawamba Community College

602 W Hill Street, Fulton, MS 38843

662-862-8001

  • Jackson State University

1400 John R. Lynch Street, Jackson, MS 39217

601-979-2121

  • Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College

51 Main Street, Perkinston, MS 39573

228-896-2536

  • Mississippi State University

1000 Highway 19 N, Meridian, MS 39307

601-484-0100

  • Mississippi Valley State University

14000 Highway 82 West, Itta Bena, MS 38941

662-254-9041

  • Northwest Mississippi Community College

4975 Highway 51 North, Senatobia, MS 38668

662-562-3200

  • The University of Mississippi

303 Martindale, University, MS 38677

662-915-7211

  • University of Southern Mississippi

118 College Drive, Hattiesburg, MS 39406

601-266-1000