BLEOST approves pathway for part-time officers to gain full-time certification
PEARL, Miss. — The Board of Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training approved Rule 9.5 for filing with the Secretary of State’s Office, establishing a pathway for currently certified part-time law enforcement officers to obtain full-time certification.
The board, known as BLEOST, oversees training, certification and standards for law enforcement officers in Mississippi. Its actions set statewide requirements for hiring, training and continuing education that agencies use to certify officers who meet minimum qualifications.
Supporters say the rule could streamline career advancement for part-time officers who seek full-time positions and help local agencies fill vacancies by recognizing existing certifications. The change may affect sheriff’s offices and municipal departments that rely on part-time staff to supplement full-time patrols, training officers and community policing efforts.
Approval for filing with the Secretary of State’s Office is an administrative step toward formal adoption and public posting of the rule. Additional procedural steps and an effective date were not included in the board announcement. We will provide more information as it becomes available.
