The Mississippi Highway Patrol is accepting applications for cadet class 63 that will start later this year. After adding 57 new troopers to their ranks in March, the MHP says they still need additional help due to the number of troopers that are eligible for retirement.
“I am told that we are going to have a pretty big exodus next year because state law enforcement officers, troopers, and MBN got raises about four years ago and there is a magic number that comes in there,” said Marshall Fisher, Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety. “What happens is, if you go to a certain time you will wind up losing money.”
Fisher added that some people will continue to work because they love the job, but many will retire this year and next between the months of April and June 30th. He said that class 63 will be smaller than the most recent graduating class with only 30-40 troopers expected to graduate. In addition, Fisher said he is looking to the state legislature to be able to have class 64 in 2019.
Potential candidates are asked to contact the Human Resources Office in Jackson at 601-987-1264. Potential candidates may also pick up applications from MHP headquarters in Jackson or the nine district offices. An application may be filled out then printed along with the Colonel’s letter and the medical packet from the Department of Public Safety website beginning May 3rd. However, no application may be submitted electronically.
