Mississippi Highway Patrol officers are set to receive a boost in their pay, according to recent reports. The move has been welcomed by many, as it is seen as a way to reward the hard work and dedication of these law enforcement officers. This news comes at a time when many across the country are calling for greater recognition and appreciation of those who serve in this important role. It is hoped that this pay increase will help to attract and retain talented individuals who are committed to serving their communities and keeping them safe.
Starting July 1st, the Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics agents and troopers will see a boost in their annual salary from $50,000 to $54,000.
Starting salaries at the Mississippi Department of Public Safety have received their second pay increase since 2020, when Commissioner Sean Tindell took the helm. This raise is a positive step towards fair compensation for entry-level employees.
He said, “We were lagging far behind when we arrived. As commissioner, it was my priority to advocate for better compensation for law enforcement officials. We have achieved an increase of just over $13,000 over the last four years.”
According to Tindell, his desire to raise the rate was driven by the need to align Mississippi’s rate with that of other states.
Currently, the initial salary for troopers in Arkansas stands at $54,000, whereas in Alabama, the starting pay for troopers is $55,615 annually. For those embarking on the training academy in Tennessee, the starting salary for troopers amounts to $65,004.
According to him, the extra compensation plays a vital role in attracting and retaining employees.
Currently, the Highway Patrol has the authorization to employ a maximum of 650 troopers, but presently, it has less than 500 officers on its force.
According to him, the agency experiences retirements each year, with around 20 to 30 employees leaving. He believes that increasing the size of their recruiting classes could help them reach the 600 mark. However, he also notes that the agency is expanding, with other divisions such as MBN, Bureau of Narcotics, Capitol Police, Commercial Transportation Enforcement Division, and Homeland Security Office growing in size over the last few years.
“We need to have a strong presence of quality law enforcement officers on a statewide level due to the high demand for them. It is crucial that we fill these positions to meet the needs of our communities.”
According to Tindell, this salary increase will alleviate the need for officers to work multiple part-time jobs just to make ends meet.
He expressed concern over law enforcement officers who were working excessive amounts of overtime or juggling multiple jobs, stating that it was not a sustainable situation. His goal was for officers to work a standard 40-hour work week, allowing them to spend time with their families and take time to relax.
According to the DPS website, to become a trooper in Mississippi, one must possess a high school diploma or GED, a valid driver’s license, be a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Mississippi at the time of appointment. Additionally, the candidate must be at least 21 years old to be eligible for the position.
In order to become a law enforcement officer in Mississippi, cadets are required to pass a physical fitness examination and undergo a rigorous 16-week training program at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers’ Training Academy.
Tindell believes that choosing this career path can be an excellent option for those who are not pursuing higher education. However, he also emphasizes the importance of acquiring additional skill sets that can aid in career advancement. “We want to encourage them to go ahead and get some of those other skill sets that can assist them as they look to promote throughout their career,” he added. This approach enables individuals to integrate their skill sets while still adhering to their unique schedules and demands.
