The Columbia Police Department is looking for a few good men and women.
Chief Mike Cooper said the department currently has several openings.
“We want to try to find some local people,” he said. “It means something to them to patrol in their community. Like me, this is where I grew up. This is where my kids go to school.”
Capt. Johnny Barnes said several qualifications are needed.
“We’re good people with ethics who are willing to work hard,” he said. “They don’t have to be certified. We’re taking all applications. We need at least four. We’re getting some applications in now and we’re getting some certified and some who aren’t. We’re looking for more applicants and we’re definitely looking for some part-time officers. We want them to be certified part-time at least.”
Barnes said they’re looking to put part-time officers on a set schedule, allowing for a more stable part-time job.
Barnes said there are currently 16 officers when the shifts are full and the department has more than 20 employees in total. They’re looking to add more.
“If we have annexation, we’re looking at having to add officers,” Barnes said.
Officers work 12-hour shifts from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m., working seven days on and seven off. Overtime paid by the city, which is then reimbursed by the state, is also available.
Columbia is often seeking officers because many move on to much larger departments in Hattiesburg or on the Coast.
Applicants do a basic physical test involving pushups, a sprint run and a mile-and-a-half run, Barnes said. They also take a written pre-entry test with spelling words and basic law enforcement questions. After that, they go on to a hiring panel, where they are interviewed by senior officers. Applicants are evaluated, and the officers take their findings to the chief, who takes the hiring to the Board of Aldermen.
“We’re definitely looking for good hometown folks. We want them to stay with us,” Barnes said. “We think Columbia will provide them a good opportunity to grow. We’re looking to grow; the city is looking to grow. The aldermen have supported us; we’ve gotten two new vehicles and we’re looking at more.”
Barnes said training is available for new officers and that full-time officers are supplied with everything they need, including weapons and other gear. Part-timers have to bring their own service weapons, which are approved by the chief.
