Police Officer Requirements - Mississippi
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Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Mississippi
Published: August 18, 2024
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To become a police officer in Mississippi, candidates must meet specific qualifications and requirements as set by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training (BLEOST).
Below are the key qualifications:
Minimum Qualifications
- Age: Must be at least 21 years old.
- Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Education: Must have a high school diploma or GED equivalent.
- Driver’s License: Must possess a valid driver’s license.
- Criminal Record: Must have no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving moral turpitude. Candidates must pass a comprehensive background investigation, including fingerprinting.
- Physical and Mental Health: Must be in good physical and mental health, verified by a physician’s examination.
- Moral Character: Must demonstrate good moral character, as determined by a thorough background check and investigation.
Additional Requirements
- Physical Fitness Test: Candidates must pass a physical fitness test, which typically includes exercises like push-ups, an agility run, and a 1.5-mile run.
- Written Examination: Must pass a written exam administered by the State Personnel Board.
- Training: Candidates who meet the initial qualifications must complete the Law Enforcement Officer Training Program (LEOTP) at an approved academy within two years of their hiring date. The training includes various subjects such as criminal law, firearms, defensive tactics, and emergency vehicle operations.
Do Your Research
While state-level qualifications set the baseline for becoming a police officer, individual police agencies often implement stricter hiring standards to align with their specific needs and values.
These enhanced criteria can include regulations on tattoos, facial hair, background checks, and more.
Additionally, agencies might conduct more rigorous background checks than the state requires, diving deeper into an applicant’s history, including financial records, social media activity, and past behavior, to ensure candidates meet the department's ethical and professional standards.
Be sure to conduct more research into the requirements, qualifications, and disqualifications for specific agencies so that you are well prepared before entering their hiring process.
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Sources
- Mississippi Police Officer Requirements | Go Law Enforcement
- How to Become a Police Officer in Mississippi
- Outside the Badge - How to Become a Police Officer in MS
Disclaimer
The requirements and qualifications for becoming a police officer may be subject to change due to updates in state legislation and public safety laws.
We strive to provide accurate and up-to-date information; however, we recommend verifying with the relevant state or local law enforcement authorities to ensure compliance with the current standards and requirements.
