More state troopers will be enforcing the law on Mississippi highways. In March, 48 troopers statewide earned the title after graduating from the 20-week Mississippi Highway Safety Patrol academy.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol Troop K in Biloxi received nine of those troopers, including two from Pearl River County, Mississippi Highway Patrol Cpl. Benjamin Siebert said.
Troopers Ettienne “Et” Mixon and Daniel Davis graduated from the academy and are currently working alongside troopers across several counties. Mixon and Davis –previously employed by the Picayune Police Department– will be assigned to Pearl River County in March of 2016 once their one-year probationary period has ended, Siebert said.
A trooper’s main responsibility is to enforce the law on state and federal highways. Seibert said that responsibility is not to be taken lightly.
“Our job is to lower fatalities and investigate wrecks. We enforce laws and try to lower fatalities,” Seibert said. “Now that we have more troopers out there, we’ll be able to respond quicker to emergencies.”
Around 400 applicants statewide applied to become a trooper in November of last year. Siebert said the training process is rigorous. During the academy, applicants were subjected to polygraph exams, written tests, videotape interviews and psychiatric evaluations.
In order to meet the minimum requirements, an applicant must be more than 21-years-old with a high school education. Other qualifications include law enforcement and military experience or a college education.
This is the first time in three years the Mississippi Highway Patrol has had an academy, Siebert said.