‘Our manpower is at an all-time low’: MHP gearing up for a job fair this weekend

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WDAM) – Law enforcement agencies across the nation are suffering from shortages and the Mississippi Highway Patrol is no different.

“Our manpower is at an all-time low,” said Mississippi Highway Patrol Trooper First Class Taylor Shows.

Shows said MHP can’t seem to catch up.

“We have graduated back-to-back patrol schools for the last few years, but every time we put a class out, we have more people than that retire,” Shows said. “So, we’re not able to replace what we’re losing with each school.”

To help combat the shortage, MHP troops across the state are hosting job fairs.

“It’s going to be a statewide event,” Shows said. “Every substation in the state, with exception of Troop C, will have a job fair that starts at 10:00 (a.m.) at their respective offices.

“We’re looking to get people (who) are on the fence about applying 100% committed”

Shows said the MHP is looking for hard-working individuals who are ready to serve their community.

“We need people and we need good people to come and apply for this class and complete this class,” Shows said. “Anyone in this blue-and-gray uniform would be glad to have you and would be extremely more glad to help you. Because the more the more people we can get out here, the better we can serve the public of Mississippi, and that’s what the job is all about. It’s public service.”

Shows offered advice to anyone undecided.

“I’d say don’t think about it, just do it,” Shows said. “Just do it. You won’t regret it, you won’t regret it. You won’t regret coming to the Highway Patrol because this is just one big family.

Anybody that wears this uniform, they’ve got your back. No questions asked. Best career I’ve ever had, best career I ever will have, hands down.”

Troop J’s job fair will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday at 35 J M Tatum Industrial Drive.

Applications for the Cadet Class 69 are due Aug. 16.

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