WAPT-TV Jackson

Road to becoming police officer different during pandemic

By Allie Ware Morning Anchor/Reporter

BRANDON, Miss. — The newest police officers from around the state graduated Thursday from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy.

Seven weeks of grueling training for the 36 recruits was different during the pandemic. The recruits never left the building. Previously, classes were 12 weeks and recruits went home on the weekends. They were quarantined together after multiple COVID-19 tests to train safely.

“When my chief said the only way you can go to the academy is seven straight weeks, it was depressing and encouraging. At the end of the day, this is what we came here for and what we want,” said Officer Charles McClain, with the Olive Branch Police Department.

The group spent more than 40 days and nights preparing to become an officer under conditions to prepare them for the job.

U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith was the keynote speaker at Thursday’s graduation ceremony.

“They put their lives on the line every single day and the security that if you call 911, or the police department, that someone is on their way,” she said.

Region