The Mississippi Highway Patrol is accepting applications for Cadet Class 66, the first cadet class to consist of only certified law enforcement officers.

The minimum qualifications for Cadet Class 66 are as follows:

• The applicant should be at least 21 years old, a citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of Mississippi, and of good moral character.
• The applicant must have a high school diploma or GED, a minimum standards certification from an accredited law enforcement academy, and two or more years of law enforcement field experience in the United States.

Cadet Class 66 is scheduled to begin in mid-May of 2022 and graduate in early August 2022, with training conducted at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy in Pearl.

Cadet classes have historically been conducted over a period of 20 to 23 weeks. Beginning the school with officers who are already certified drops that period to 12 weeks, Troop M Cpl. Craig James said.

Applications for Cadet Class 66 are currently available at Troop M, Hwy. 84, Brookhaven, and other substations across the state, and at MHP Headquarters, 1900 East Woodrow Wilson Ave., Jackson. A downloadable electronic application is also available on the dps.ms.gov website. The application must be downloaded, printed and completed, then returned by mail or in person to a substation.

“Cadet Class 66 is a great opportunity for law enforcement officers across the country who have been unfairly treated by politicians to relocate to a state that backs the blue,” said Gov. Tate Reeves. “If you are a displaced law enforcement officer, I encourage you to seriously consider making the move to Mississippi. I look forward to seeing the excellent troopers this class produces.”

“We are very pleased to announce the recruitment period for MHP Cadet Class 66 is now open. We are seeking men and women who are ready to begin a career as a Trooper with the Mississippi Highway Patrol,” said Col. Randy Ginn. “We are confident that those individuals who hear and accept the calling to a life of service to the State of Mississippi and her citizens will find great opportunities with our agency.”

“The Mississippi Highway Patrol is an elite group of highly trained law enforcement officers that are dedicated to protecting the citizens of our state,” said Commissioner Sean Tindell. “Joining the Mississippi Highway Patrol is an excellent opportunity for anyone seeking to advance their career in law enforcement. It is with great enthusiasm that we welcome the next class of state troopers.”

Starting pay for Troopers is approximately $41,000 annually. Cadet Class 66 is looking for 80 cadet candidates.