Hattiesburg Police seek recruits for academy class

The Hattiesburg Police Department is recruiting candidates for its next police academy class, and applications are open through Aug. 7, 2026, the department said in a social media post.

The department said the work of a police officer extends beyond responding to calls and includes building trust, helping people through difficult moments and becoming a dependable presence in neighborhoods. Officials are seeking people ready to accept that responsibility and build a career with a department they described as committed to its officers and the community.

New officers will earn a starting salary of $55,000, with the potential to earn up to $60,000 based on prior experience, higher education and bilingual fluency, the department said. The post also said officers may attend the University of Southern Mississippi or William Carey University tuition-free.

Prospective applicants can learn more and apply at www.hburgacademy.com, the department said. Police recruitment affects department staffing and community policing efforts; we will provide more information as it becomes available.