How to Become a Cop in Mississippi
Mississippi leads the nation regarding criminal reform. The deep-red state has changed its stance on criminal justice policies over the last decade. The state wants to make it easier for ex-offenders to get back to their lives, despite having a criminal record. The bill, known as the Mississippi Fresh Start Act helps ex-offenders get occupational licensing regardless of their criminal history. The idea is to have fewer people incarcerated and give former convicts a greater chance of success after their release. With such ideals, the role of police officers in Mississippi becomes very important. They are the ones in direct contact with these convicts, so they have a huge role to play. If you want to contribute, you may find the following information on how to become a police officer in Mississippi useful.
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Steps for Becoming a Police Officer in Mississippi
To become a police officer in Mississippi, you will have to follow certain steps. Bear in mind that these steps are a general overview of the process, rather than a detailed version. The detailed version would be different in different cities across the state. Please check with your local departments before initiating the application.
- Meet the minimum qualifications
- Pass the required tests
- Clear all the required interviews
- Pass the background investigation
- Clear the polygraph and voice stress analysis examination
- Clear the medical exam
- Undergo a psychological evaluation
- Complete a training academy
Requirements to Become a Police Officer in Mississippi
The requirements to join the police force in the state of Mississippi would vary according to individual police departments’ rules. So you should check the department website, before applying. Generally, you might be needed to fulfill the following requirements:
- All candidates must be citizens of the US
- All candidates must be at least 21 years of age
- Candidates must have a valid driver’s license for the state of Mississippi
- Candidates should have a high school diploma or a GED
- Candidates should be in a good physical and mental shape
- Candidates should not have a history of any disqualifying criminal convictions or charges
How long does it take to become a Police Officer in Mississippi?
To become a police officer in Mississippi, you are looking at a time investment of around 1.5 – 2 years. This would include the time taken to file the application, complete the police training academy and the probationary period. The exact time taken would vary as per the policies of individual departments, but by and large, you can expect it to take 2 years.
How much does a Police Officer make in Mississippi?
As per the data from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers made an annual mean income of $35,550, as of May 2018. The total employment in this category in Mississippi was 7,520.