05/22/2026
This is a great explanation of the part-time to full-time bridge program qualifications from our friends at the Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy. Please let us know at the North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center if you have any questions
For many years, law enforcement leaders have asked for a legitimate pathway for experienced part time officers to transition into full time service while still protecting the standards expected of Mississippi law enforcement officers. After years of discussion and input from law enforcement leaders across the state, the Board adopted a carefully structured bridge process for qualified part time officers. This is not a shortcut, and it is not a lowering of standards.
This pathway is limited to personnel already serving in legitimate public safety roles; individuals who have already spent years protecting communities, conducting investigations, receiving training, enforcing laws, and serving alongside full time officers.
Applicants must already hold a valid Mississippi part time certification, remain active with a law enforcement agency by having at least 5 years of documented service, average at least 40 duty hours each month, meet all existing employment standards, and submit verification of their service and good standing. They must also pass a comprehensive knowledge exam, PT test and skills evaluation.
Most importantly, the Board entrusted the evaluation process to the very full time academies and instructors who have upheld Mississippi’s standards for decades. The same academy coordinators and instructors who challenged recruits, enforced discipline, and maintained high expectations in the residential academies will be the ones determining whether an applicant meets the standard expected of a full time officer.
All testing and evaluations will be conducted through Mississippi’s accredited full time residential academies, including:
• Harrison County Law Enforcement Training Academy
• Mississippi Delta CC Law Enforcement Training Academy
• Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy
• North Mississippi Law Enforcement Training Center
• Southern Regional Public Safety Institute
Nothing replaces the discipline, sacrifice, and camaraderie formed during a full time residential academy. Those of us who completed that journey earned it, and they should always take pride in it.
But Mississippi also has a valuable resource of experienced part time officers serving towns and counties every day who have already demonstrated commitment, professionalism, and integrity over years of service. Many communities depend on them. This program does not lower the bar. It preserves the standard while creating a responsible pathway for proven officers to continue serving at a higher level.