The mission of the SRPSI is to certify Mississippi law enforcement officers through a nine-week (400 hour) basic academy, as well as to offer in-service or advanced training across the broad spectrum of public safety areas to officers from all over the southern US.

The basic academy is conducted five times a year in a live-in dormitory training facility, and strives to meet "today's standards" for a law enforcement officer. The SRPSI draws from an impressive pool of expert instructors to teach the various classes during basic training. The cadets report in on Sunday evening and stay until Friday afternoon.

The cadets are usually total strangers to one another on the first day, but quickly become life-long friends working as a team. The "team" concept is stressed by the SPRSI staff.

The basic cadets start each morning at 0500 hrs for physical fitness training. Following PT, inspection, and breakfast, the classroom day begins at 0800hrs and lasts until 1700 hrs each day. The cadets are normally given the evening to study, watch TV, or relax before "lights out" at 2200 hrs. All certifications required by the Mississippi Board on Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Training are covered.

The highlights of the nine weeks are always driving and firearms weeks when the cadets get to leave campus for the appropriate ranges for vehicle pursuit and weapons training. The most dreaded part is O.C. Spray certification!

Former officers getting back into law enforcement can meet the state's three-week refresher requirements by attending the required classes during the nine week basic academy. This usually requires the officers to attend two or three classes per week. Officers interested in this program should contact the SRPSI at least two-weeks prior to the beginning of a basic academy class.

The "Advanced/ Specialized Training" mission is to offer low cost advanced, in-service, or specialized training to local, state and regional officers who might otherwise have to go long distances for advanced training. Several advanced seminars, such as Basic Investigations, Accident Reconstruction I, II, & III, Haz. Mat., Defensive Tactics Instructor, Crime Scene Investigations, Underwater Evidence Recovery, Basic Communications, Verbal Judo, and others, are offered as demand dictates

These courses range from one-day to two-week seminars and sometimes qualify for college credit with Southern Miss.

For course offerings and reservations contact the SRPSI at 601-558-2172.