What are the requirements to become a Law Enforcement Officer in Mississippi?
The following guidelines to be employed as a law enforcement officer:
1. Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age,
2. Be a high school graduate or obtain a General Educational Development (GED) Diploma,
a. High School graduate is defined as graduating from a secondary school in an accredited school district having earned the required Carnegie units and completed all subject area testing as specified by the Mississippi Department of Education in the year the diploma was awarded.
b. Accredited schools include those accredited by the Departments of Education from each State, the Independent/ Private School Association from each State, the Association of Christian Schools International, the National Council for Private School Accreditation, the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) or one of the six regional bodies of the Association of Colleges and Schools, and AdvancED.
c. In lieu of a high school diploma, a college diploma from an accredited institution will be accepted. It must be an Associate’s (AA or AAS) or higher. Technical Certificates will not be accepted. Accredited schools include those accredited by an Accrediting Agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
d. If an applicant has not obtained a high school diploma from an accredited school, the applicant must obtain a GED through the Mississippi Department of Education or obtain an equivalent score on a GED test administered by the American Council on Education.
e. Applicants may provide a composite test score on the ACT of 15 or higher in lieu of a GED score. ACT scores can only be accepted if the score is on an official form (student or institution copy) or as part of an official school transcript.
3. Be a United States citizen,
4. Be of good physical and mental condition, capable of performing the duties, under conditions inherent to the profession, as verified by a licensed physician,
5. And be of good moral character as evidenced among other things by having neither a conviction, a plea of guilty, a plea of nolo contendere, having been ordered into probation or pre-trial diversion, or have been fined in relation to a felony or a misdemeanor involving moral turpitude or a crime that is directly related to the duties and responsibilities of a law enforcement officer; and not have been engaged in any conduct or action that would greatly diminish the public trust in the competence and reliability of a law enforcement officer. Former members of the Armed Forces Individuals must have been discharged from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions. Fitness for service as it relates to moral character must be verified by an appropriate background investigation. MS Standards & Training Website
How do I register for advanced law enforcement courses held at MLEOTA?
Scan the QR code for registration at the bottom of this page.
How are full-time basic recruit courses scheduled?
Four full-time recruit officer courses are scheduled that are 11 weeks per course. The first one of the year starts in January-March. The second one is April-June. The third is July-September, and the last one is October-December. If you have questions regarding MLEOTA Basic Academy please contact Joseph Green at (601-933-2101) or via email. Please contact him to express interest in attending a MLEOTA basic academy. MLEOTA Website
What does it cost to attend the police academy?
Full-time basic academy tuition is $4,000.00 per student officer.
- Payment is made in the form of a department or bank-certified check made payable to MLEOTA.
- When enrolled in an authorized full-time basic academy, payments are made directly to MLEOTA. Consult with Barbara Loyd via email for the cost of tuition.
Does tuition include the required Recruit Equipment?
No. Tuition does not include the equipment and gear required to attend a full-time basic academy. The MPTC maintains a Standard Equipment List required by all MLEOTA basic academy student officers.
Are there overnight dormitories and meals?
Yes. MLEOTA Basic Academy operates Sunday through Thursday. Student officers go home for the weekend. MLEOTA will provide each meal for the officer student.
Is there a uniform, equipment, dress code, and appearance for the academy?
Yes, uniforms and the overall appearance of all students are a reflection of their professionalism and integrity. All students shall present a neat, clean, and well-groomed appearance while on campus. All students shall always practice and demonstrate the proper personal hygiene that is an absolute requisite for the dedication, commitment, and professionalism that characterizes the essence of this Academy.
Is there any physical training requirement for the Full-time basic academy?
Yes. To prevent injuries, there is a physical training requirement to attend a full-time basic academy. MLEOTA is committed to optimizing the opportunity for all student officers to be successful in completing the Health and Wellness program. To meet these goals, student officers must know what to expect ahead of time and must prepare well in advance of the first day of the academy. It is a good idea to start a workout program before attending the academy. You must pass all categories at 50% to be accepted and 70% to graduate. The academy experience is much better the higher % you enter. The most significant factors in this preparation are:
- Nutritional balanced diet
- Proper hydration
- weight control
- aerobic capacity
- muscular strength
- endurance
- flexibility
Who provides the cruiser for defensive driving?
A cruiser is required to attend a full-time basic academy for one week of defensive driving. Your department should provide you with one.
Who provides the firearm for firearms training?
A handgun is required to attend a full-time basic academy for an entire eleven weeks of training. Your department should provide you with one.
Can I attend MLEOTA as a self-sponsor?
Students may self-sponsor but must be recognized by an MS Law Enforcement Department, conduct their background investigation, and recommend they attend the academy. Students will still have to fill out the application and meet all requirements. MLEOTA Website