Fifty-seven cadets graduated from the Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper School Tuesday, March 6. Among that group, Picayune native Christa Groom was included.

Former Picayune Police Department Detective Christa Groom became part of what will be known as Mississippi Highway Patrol Cadet Class 62.

“I’m excited and I’m looking forward to serving the community in my new position,” Groom said.

Groom began her career in law enforcement as a reserve officer for the Picayune Police Department from 2001 until about 2004. She later accepted a full-time position with the Bay St. Louis Police Department and she also went to the police academy. In 2005, she became a detective with the Pearl River County Sheriff’s Department, a position she held until about 2011 when she became a detective with the Picayune Police Department.

Groom is a Picayune Memorial High School graduate who also attended Pearl River Community College. She then transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she graduated with a degree in criminal justice.

Groom said she was influenced to seek a career in law enforcement because her dad was a police officer.

Public Information Officer Trooper First Class Chase Elkins said Cadet Class 62 is the first class since 1980 to have three female graduates in the same class.

“I think that’s an amazing feat and even though the training we have to go through is challenging, I wish more females would decide to go through it,” Groom said.

After completion of the 19-week training, Groom said the graduates are currently enjoying a couple of days off but everyone will be back soon to begin their work with the field training officer.

She also said she received the opportunity to stay home by being assigned to Troop K and patrol Pearl River County.

“Right now, my focus is on my training and keeping the highways safe for everyone,” Groom said. “I have worked as a detective for the last 14 years, so being back on the roads will be a change of atmosphere, but I’m excited.”

For any woman thinking about starting a career in law enforcement, Groom advises them to go for it.

“I love what I do and I look forward to continue to serve everyone who lives in Pearl River County,” Groom said.