- Biloxi, Mississippi
- Gulfport, Mississippi
- Hattiesburg, Mississippi
- Jackson, Mississippi
- Southaven, Mississippi
Becoming a Police Officer in Biloxi, Mississippi
The Biloxi police department strives every day to live out its motto, “Justice with dignity.” The department combines citizen-oriented policing with a progressive attitude to give its officers and those they serve as high a level of satisfaction as possible.
Biloxi police jobs are obtained through a process that ensures only the top candidates are selected. Learning how to become a cop in Biloxi before initiating the process will help you to be a more organized and competitive candidate. Becoming a police officer in Biloxi involves completing these steps:
- Minimum qualifications
- Tests
- Interview
- Background investigation
- Polygraph and voice stress analysis examination
- Medical exam and psychological evaluation
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Biloxi
First you must check to make sure you can meet the minimum qualifications for Biloxi police jobs and attach the following documentation with your initial application:
- Recent color picture of yourself
- U.S. citizen: attach a photocopy of your birth certificate
- High school diploma or GED: attach a photocopy
- Must be a registered voter: attach a copy of your voter registration card
- Must have no felony, domestic violence, or sexual crimes convictions: attach a blue applicant fingerprint card obtained from the Public Safety Center
- Attach a copy of your DD-214 long form if you have served in the military
- Driver’s license: attach a photocopy
You may print off and complete an application at any time, however the city of Biloxi only accepts police officer applications at certain times. You must therefore monitor the city’s website and local job listings to see when the position becomes open.
Step 2. Civil Service Exam and Physical Agility Test
Before your initial interview you will be required to complete a civil service exam and a physical agility test. When you turn in a completed and legible application you will receive instructions for registering for these. The civil service exam tests for basic knowledge in the areas of math, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills.
The physical agility test consists of the following five events:
- Agility Run: Involves timed sprinting and running figure-eights, about 180 feet
- Trunk flexion/sit-and-reach: Tests your flexibility
- Push-ups: 28 completed in two minutes
- Sit-ups: 25 completed in two minutes
- 1.5-mile run: completed in 15.5 minutes
Step 3. Interview
At this point you will be interviewed by a panel of Biloxi police officials. They will question you on your past and anything that might qualify or disqualify you for police jobs in Biloxi. It will be particularly important for you to demonstrate good communication and interpersonal relations skill during your interview.
Step 4. Background Investigation
You will have provided all of the following information on your initial application, any of which can be consulted while a Biloxi police department official investigates your background:
- Previous criminal history and list of court appearances
- Financial institutions with which you do business or have accounts
- Names of former classmates
- Names of character references
- Names of family members and relatives, including in-laws
- Previous institutions of education which you have attended
- Former employers
- Credit report
- Former places of residence
- Driving history
- Social acquaintances
Step 5. Polygraph and Voice Stress Analysis Examination
After receiving good results from your background investigation you will proceed to have a polygraph and voice stress analysis examination. You may be asked any questions relating to previous steps of your application process, and you may additionally be questioned on any other subject, not limited to:
- Previous instances of theft from your workplace
- Improper time card/sheet completion
- Taking false sick days
- Taking advantage of anyone, especially those in a vulnerable position
- Any instance where you have bought, sold, or used illegal drugs or abused prescription drugs
- Any instance when you have committed a crime which has never been discovered
- How many days per month you are late for work
Step 6. Medical Exam and Psychological Evaluation
After successful completion of your polygraph and voice stress analysis test, you will be scheduled for a medical exam and psychological evaluation. Your medical exam will include:
- Vision and hearing test
- Drug and alcohol test
- Investigation of any pre-existing conditions
- Medical physical
- Cardiovascular and respiratory system checkups
- EKG and lab work
Your psychological evaluation will be conducted by a licensed psychologist who will confirm you do not have any mental health problems that might get in the way of the job duties of a Biloxi cop. You will be assessed for you ability to handle stress and your general state of mental stability.
Step 7. Training Academy
There is a county training academy located in Biloxi where the police department can complete its basic 12-week training course. Upon graduation you will be fully certified and qualified to begin your new career with the Biloxi police department. The training academy includes study and training in the areas of:
- Family issues and domestic violence
- Self-defense
- Driving techniques and maneuvers
- CPR and first aid
- Firearms training
- Legal procedures
- Criminal justice system
- Suspect pursuit and apprehension
Becoming a Police Officer in Gulfport, Mississippi
The Gulfport police department has just over 200 sworn officers who serve a population of over 144,000 people. Gulfport police jobs are available to the top qualifying candidates and are obtained through a competitive process. Use this guide to learn how to become a cop in Gulfport by meeting police officer requirements:
- Basic requirements
- Pre-interview testing
- Board interview
- Background investigation
- Polygraph examination
- Medical exam and psychological evaluation
- Training academy
Step 1. Basic Police Officer Requirements in Gulfport
The process of successfully applying for Gulfport police jobs begins by first meeting the basic requirements:
- High school diploma or GED
- At least 21 years old
- Valid driver’s license
- U.S. citizen
- No felony, domestic violence, or sexual crimes convictions
Applications are accepted on a continuous basis either by mail or in person. You are preferred to fill out the application on a computer, then print and return it. Make sure to fill out the application completely and legibly, and include all required signed and notarized forms. Also enclose:
- Driver’s license photocopy
- Self-portrait color photograph
- Copy of high school diploma or GED
- Certified copy of college transcripts, if applicable
- Certified copy of birth certificate
- Military DD 214 copy, if applicable
Step 2. Pre-Interview Testing
After dropping off or mailing in your application you should immediately make an appointment with the civil service secretary to take the civil service test. You will be informed of the testing date and location The test itself will comprise of basic reading comprehension and writing exercises. After passing this you will be scheduled for a physical agility test where you will be evaluated on four exercises which will be calibrated for you based on your age and gender:
Given values for males 20-29, best to minimum standards
- 1.5 mile run: 9.00-18.16 minutes
- Trunk flexion: 25-3 inches
- Agility run: 120-foot sprint through an obstacle course, 15.90-20.40 seconds
- Push-ups (male aged 17-21): 82-32 in two minutes
Step 3. Board Interview
This will be your first official interview with police department officials. Your interview will be held with the Applicant Development Board, and you will be asked about your previous employment history, personal experience and how this related to a job with the Gulfport police department, and about anything that may disqualify you from such a position. The development board will also be interested in your communication skills and how well you handle stressful situations.
Step 4. Background Check
After a successful interview you will be scheduled to begin a background check with the Professional Standards Unit. An investigator will be assigned to your case and will complete an extensive records check, including:
- Federal, state, and local criminal records databases
- Driving history check
- Credit report and financial history
- Previous employment check
- Education history records
On your initial application you will also have provided information such as your previous addresses, places of employment, family members (including divorced), educational institutions attended, and character references. Your background investigator may conduct interviews with any of the following people:
- Previous employers or colleagues
- Former classmates or teachers
- Past and present neighbors
- Friends and family
- Ex-spouses or partners
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
You will also be required to complete a polygraph examination. You may be asked about any issues that have arisen up to this point in the exam process, and you may additionally be questioned on any other subjects, not limited to:
- Previous instances of dishonesty at work
- Improper time card completion
- Taking something and not returning it
- Taking false sick leave
- Any instances of sale, purchase, or use of illegal drugs or misuse of prescription drugs
- Any crimes which you have committed but for which you have never been caught
- Any instances where you have taken advantage of someone
Step 6. Medical Exam and Psychological Evaluation
When you make it through your background check and polygraph examination, you will be scheduled for a medical exam and psychological evaluation. The medical exam will include:
- EKG test
- Lab tests
- Medical physical
- Hearing and sight test
- Evaluation of cardiovascular system
- Respiratory check
- Urinalysis drug and alcohol test
- Examination of any pre-existing conditions or those to which you may be prone based on your medical history
Your psychological evaluation will include an oral interview conducted by a certified psychiatrist. Your mental health and ability to make quick and objective decisions under pressure will be evaluated, as well as any other circumstances that may conflict with eligibility for Gulfport police department jobs.
Step 7. Training Academy
The final step in the process of how to become a police officer in Gulfport is to complete a 10-week basic training academy. You will live on campus during the weekdays with meals provided, and be allowed home over the weekend. Upon graduation you are eligible to be sworn in. The academy will include all the basic information you need to know and develop the skills you will need to possess in order to begin a successful career as cop in Gulfport. An emphasis will be placed on:
- Self-defense
- Driving techniques and maneuvers
- First aid and CPR
- Patrol techniques
- Suspect pursuit and apprehension
- Field sobriety test administration
- Firearms training
- Family situations and domestic violence
- Criminal justice system
- Crime scene investigation
- Legal procedures
Becoming a Police Officer in Hattiesburg, Mississippi
The Hattiesburg police department was the first in the state of Mississippi to be awarded accreditation by the Commission of Accredited Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA). Hattiesburg police jobs are available through a competitive application process to the top-qualifying candidates.
Follow this guide if you’re interested in learning how to become a cop in Hattiesburg by meeting the established police officer requirements:
- Minimum requirements
- Physical agility test
- Panel interview
- Background investigation
- Polygraph exam
- Medical examination and psychological evaluation
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Hattiesburg
The first step in becoming a police officer in Hattiesburg is to meet the minimum requirements, which are:
- No felony convictions
- Good moral character
- Driver’s license
- Live within 10 miles of Hattiesburg within six months of hire
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen registered to vote
- High school diploma or GED; college preferred
Applications are continually accepted for Hattiesburg police jobs. You may complete an application at the human resources department in city hall. Make sure to fill out the application completely and legibly, including all required signed forms and attached documents. Incomplete applications are discarded.
Step 2. Physical Fitness Test
After turning in your application you will need to complete a physical agility test before your initial interview. This involves the following events:
- Sit and reach/trunk flexion
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- 1.5-mile run
- Timed completion of obstacle course
Step 3. Panel Interview
After successful completion of your physical agility test you will complete a panel interview with Hattiesburg police officials. You will be asked about your previous employment positions as well as anything that might disqualify you from Hattiesburg Police Department jobs. Your panel interviewers will also be curious as to the level of your communication skills and abilities.
Step 4. Background Investigation
As part of your initial application you will have provided information regarding your previous employers, character references, previous criminal record, and education history. Your financial and driving records may be examined as well. You must complete a background investigation that confirms you have a good moral character and finds no disqualifying circumstances in your past.
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
You will also be required to take and pass a polygraph examination. Your examiner may question you about any issues raised up to this point in your application process, as well as about any other subject areas, including:
- Previous instances of sale, purchase or use of illegal drugs or abuse of prescription medication
- How many times per month you are late for work
- Any frauds you may have committed including insurance and unemployment
- Past instances of taking items from the workplace
- Past instances of misrepresenting minutes on time sheets or time cards
- Lying to your employer about being sick
- Any previous crimes you have committed but for which you have not been convicted
Step 6. Medical examination and Psychological Evaluation
Police officer requirements in Hattiesburg include being examined by a licensed physician and psychiatrist. The medical examination includes the following:
- Blood test
- Medical physical
- Vision and hearing test
- Respiratory exam
- Cardiovascular check
- Investigation of any pre-existing conditions
- Medical history evaluation
Your psychological evaluation will be conducted by a licensed psychiatrist who will conduct an oral assessment of your mental health and ability to make quick objective decisions in stressful situations. It will be determined if you are a mentally stable and balanced candidate.
Step 7. Training Academy
The Hattiesburg police department periodically conducts its own police academy training session. You can either apply as a pre-certified officer or wait and participate in the next training academy offered by the police department. After you complete the training academy which lasts a few months you will be eligible to become a certified Hattiesburg police officer. Areas of academy training include:
- Firearms training
- First aid and CPR
- Community policing cooperation
- Family services and domestic violence
- Driving maneuvers
- Legal procedures
- Crime scene investigation
- Administration of field sobriety tests
- Patrol techniques
- Self-defense
Becoming a Police Officer in Jackson, Mississippi
The Jackson Police Department has been growing since 1822 to its present size of approximately 430 sworn officers, making it the largest police department in the state of Mississippi. Jackson police jobs are open to the most qualified candidates.
To find out how to become a police officer in Jackson by meeting the department’s requirements, follow these seven steps:
- Basic requirements
- Tests
- Panel interview
- Background investigation
- Polygraph examination
- Medical exam and psychological assessment
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Jackson
Your first order of business in becoming a police officer in Jackson will be to meet the minimum department qualifications:
- High school diploma or GED
- Good moral character
- U.S. citizen
- At least 21 years old
- No felony or domestic violence convictions
- Driver’s license
- Reside in or near Jackson six months after hire
You can request an application by mail. Make sure to complete the application completely and legibly. Remember to sign all the required forms and include requested documents.
Step 2. Tests: Written and Physical
Once you are notified your initial application will be considered, you will be scheduled for a written exam and physical agility test. The written exam will evaluate your writing skills and reading comprehension, while the physical agility test will determine you meet general fitness standards to proceed with the application process. You will be required to complete a series of push-ups, sit-ups, and a short distance run.
Step 3. Panel Interview
If your tests show competitive results you will move on to a panel interview to be conducted by Jackson police officials. You will be asked about your previous employment experience as well as anything you might be able to think of that would disqualify you from Jackson police department jobs. Police officials will also want to determine you have good communication skills and can handle stress. Keep in mind questions at this stage may be revisited during your polygraph examination.
Step 4. Background Check
After a successful panel interview you will begin the process of having a background investigation. An investigator will be assigned to your case who will confirm your minimum requirements for the job. This includes checking your previous education transcripts, criminal history, and driving abstract. The investigator may also conduct interviews with any of the following people:
- Previous employers or coworkers
- Neighbors
- Friends and family
- Former classmates or teachers
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
Following a background investigation which confirms your good moral character and finds no disqualifying circumstances, you will continue with a polygraph examination. Your polygraph examiner may ask you questions on anything from your initial application to your background investigation. Questions may also be on the following subjects:
- Previous instances of dishonesty at the workplace and in your personal life
- Previous instances of cheating in your education history
- Any sale, purchase, or use of illegal drugs, or abuse of prescription drugs
- Instances of theft from your workplace or improper time card completion
- How many times you are usually late for work each month
Step 6. Medical Exam and Psychological Assessment
Becoming a police officer in Jackson also requires the completion of a medical exam and psychological assessment. The medical exam will check your overall health and include:
- Drug and alcohol test
- EKG test
- Medical physical
- Examination of any pre-existing conditions
- Vision and hearing test
- Cardiovascular assessment
- Respiratory check
- Investigation into any condition to which you may be prone based on your medical history
The psychological assessment will be conducted by a licensed psychiatrist chosen by the Jackson police department. You will undergo an oral evaluation and your lever of stress tolerance will be determined.
Step 7. Jackson Police Department Training Academy
The Jackson PD training academy was built in 1965 and has since then accommodated the training of thousands of officers. The academy lasts 12-14 weeks, Monday through Friday. You will be required to live on-site during the weekdays and be allowed time off during the weekends. At the end of the training academy you will be certified as meeting the state minimum standards and be ready to be sworn in to your new career as a Jackson police officer. Training academy areas of focus include:
- Firearms training
- CPR and first aid
- Self-defense
- Driving techniques and maneuvers
- Criminal justice system
- Domestic violence and family issues
- Crime scene investigation
- Legal procedures
- Administration of field sobriety testing
- Arrest and pursuit techniques
Becoming a Police Officer in Southaven, Mississippi
The Southaven Police Department offers its officers a variety of specialized divisions where they can maximize their individual skills; everything from detectives, chaplains, special investigations, SWAT team, patrol and training are offered. Southaven police jobs are available to the most qualified and competitive candidates. Taking the time to learn how to become a cop in Southaven can increase your chances of a successful application process by making you better organized and prepared. Becoming a police officer in Southaven proceeds along the following seven steps:
- Minimum requirements
- Tests
- Interview
- Personal history statement
- Polygraph test
- Medical examination and psychological evaluation
- Training academy
Step 1. Meeting Police Officer Requirements in Southaven
Becoming a cop in Southaven starts by meeting the basic minimum requirements:
- At least 21 years old
- U.S. citizen
- High school diploma or GED
- Having no felony convictions
- Must be well-groomed
- No visible tattoos
You must wait for a vacancy before applying, and you can sign up with the city’s job notification service to monitor this. When you do apply make sure to fill out the application fully and completely, signing all required forms and including all required documents.
Step 2. Tests: Written and Physical
You will be required to take two tests before having an interview: A physical fitness test and the National Standard Police Officer Selection Test (NSPOST) test.
The Southaven police department can help you register for these. The physical fitness test is comprised of four events that are scored taking into consideration your gender and age:
- Agility Run: You must run and zig-zag through an obstacle course
- Trunk flexion/sit and reach
- Push-ups
- 1.5-mile run
The NSPOST measures basic skills, and is divided into the following four parts:
- Mathematics
- Reading comprehension
- Grammar
- Incident report writing/writing ability
Step 3. Interview
Once you successfully complete your initial tests you will be scheduled for an interview with Southaven police department officials. You will be questioned about your previous employment and life experiences and how these relate to Southaven cop jobs. You will also need to demonstrate that you have exceptional communication skills and that there are no reasons for your disqualification from the application process.
Step 4. Personal History Statement
Your next step will be to complete a personal history statement. This will include listing your previous jobs, driving record, criminal history, financial history, credit information, education history, character references, and previous places of residence. A background investigator will verify all the provided information is accurate. The investigator may conduct interviews with anyone from your former classmates to former neighbors.
Step 5. Polygraph Examination
After your background investigation you will be required to take a polygraph examination. You may be asked about any issues raised up to this point from your initial application, interview, or personal history statement. You may also be asked about anything else, not limited to:
- Previous employment dishonesty
- Improper taking of sick leave
- Taking something from your employer
- Improper time card/clock usage
- Any instances where you have bought, sold, or used illicit drugs, or abused prescription drugs
- Any times you may have taken advantage of someone, especially if they were vulnerable
It is always better to be honest, giving full and complete answers and omitting nothing. The polygraph examination’s purpose is to test your honesty just as much or more as it is to discover any disqualifying circumstances from your past.
Step 6. Medical Examination and Psychological Evaluation
After your polygraph test results are approved you will be required to complete a medical exam and psychological evaluation. The medical examination will consist of:
- Vision and hearing test
- Blood test and lab work
- Drug and alcohol test
- Examination of any pre-existing conditions
- Cardiovascular and respiratory system evaluations
- Medical physical
- Review of your medical history
Your psychological evaluation will be an oral interview conducted by a licensed psychologist. You will be assessed for your mental health and stability, along with a test of your ability to handle high levels of stress.
Step 7. Training Academy
The Southaven police has its own training department and state-of-the-art training facilities. You will complete classroom and field training that will prepare you for everything you need to know and be able to do to begin a successful career as a Southaven police officer. The training academy lasts a few months, and will focus on the areas of:
- Self-defense
- CPR and first aid
- Driving techniques and maneuvers
- Field sobriety test administration
- Family matters and domestic violence
- Firearms training
- Legal procedures
- Crime scene investigation
- Criminal justice system