New Laurel police officers say public safety institute a challenge, but worth it

LAUREL, Miss. (WDAM) - The Laurel Police Department is adding two new officers to its ranks.

Both just recently graduated from the Southern Regional Public Safety Institute at Camp Shelby.

New officers Isaac Allen and Brandon Stringer said the academy was a challenge -- but it was worth it.

Allen even walked away with a hefty award from the academy for his performance.

“I was just tired of working manual labor and wanted to do something that meant more to me,” Allen said. “I got the top cop award which is the highest combined average for shooting, driving, academics and physical fitness.”

“My dad has spent a lot of time in this police department--he’s a lieutenant here John Stringer-- and he was one of the only ones who tried to convince me not to do this,” Stringer said.

The Laurel Police Department is currently hiring, and Chief Tommy Cox said the department hosts tests four times a year for new recruits.

The department currently has 47 officers and its capacity is 55 officers. The starting salary is around $42,000 at LPD.

Want more WDAM 7 news in your inbox? Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Copyright 2022 WDAM. All rights reserved.