Mississippi POST Requirements

Minimum Requirements

• Age: At least 21 years old for certification (some departments may hire at 20).
• Education: High school diploma or GED.
• Citizenship: U.S. citizen.
• Driver license: Valid driver’s license (Mississippi license typically required at hire).
• Criminal history: No felony convictions; no domestic violence convictions; must meet minimum moral character standards.
• Other requirements:
  • Background investigation.
  • Medical exam and physical evaluation.
  • Psychological screening.
  • Drug screening.
  • Be employed or sponsored by a Mississippi law enforcement agency.
  • Successfully complete the Mississippi Basic Law Enforcement Training Program.

Physical Fitness Standards

Mississippi’s BLEOST (Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training) mandates physical fitness testing for academy entry and graduation.

• 1.5-mile run (timed).
• Push-ups (1 minute).
• Sit-ups (1 minute).
• 300-meter sprint.
• Agility course depending on academy.

Standards follow Cooper-style percentile benchmarks; recruits must meet minimums for both entry and graduation.

Academy Training Requirements

Minimum academy hours: 480

Mississippi’s Basic Law Enforcement Training Program requires at least 480 hours of instruction covering criminal law, patrol operations, defensive tactics, EVOC, firearms, communications, and investigations.

Reference: Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training – Basic Training Program requirements.

Reciprocity / Lateral Entry

Mississippi offers equivalency certification for officers previously certified in other states or in certain federal/military agencies.

• Submit training records and proof of experience to BLEOST.
• Complete legal update or deficiency training if required.
• Pass firearms qualification and state certification exam.
• Meet full Mississippi background and medical/psychological standards.

Prior service must generally be recent (within a few years) to qualify for equivalency.

POST Contact Information

Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training (BLEOST)
3750 I-55 Frontage Road North
Jackson, MS 39211
Phone: 601-936-2155
Website: https://www.dps.ms.gov/law-enforcement-officer-standards-and-training

Official POST Requirements:
https://www.dps.ms.gov/law-enforcement-officer-standards-and-training/basic-training