Hattiesburg Police opens applications for recruit academy

Hattiesburg Police Department said applications are open through Aug. 7, 2026, for its next recruit academy, the department said on its Facebook page. The announcement came as 13 officers graduated from Police Academy Class 45 this week and joined HPD after completing 17 weeks of training.

The department said new officers who complete the academy and are sworn into the department will begin with a starting salary of $55,000. HPD said recruits may qualify for starting pay of up to $60,000 based on prior law enforcement experience, higher education and bilingual fluency.

Hattiesburg is a city in southeastern Mississippi, and recruitment drives such as this aim to replenish ranks and support public safety operations, department officials said. “This is more than a job. It is a commitment to protect, to serve and to be part of something bigger than yourself,” HPD said on Facebook.

Interested applicants can learn more and apply at www.hburgacademy.com. We will provide more information as it becomes available.