Law Enforcement Officer III
Salary
$43,509.31 - $74,237.00 Annually
Location
51 - NEWTON COUNTY, MS
Job Type
Full-Time
Job Number
9619-0372-20260610NEW
Department
0372 - MH-EAST MS STATE HOSPITAL
Opening Date
06/11/2026
Closing Date
6/18/2026 11:59 PM Central
Agency Minimum Salary
$43,509.31
Agency Maximum Salary
$74,237.76
About the Agency
East Mississippi State Hospital is a state-operated psychiatric facility under the Mississippi Department of Mental Health, providing comprehensive inpatient and residential mental health services to individuals across the region. Through a multidisciplinary approach, EMSH serves a diverse population with a strong emphasis on safety, quality care, and recovery-focused treatment. In addition to its psychiatric services, EMSH operates multiple programs and facilities across Meridian, Newton, and Kemper, allowing the hospital to meet a broad range of clinical and operational needs. EMSH is committed to delivering high-quality services while maintaining compliance with applicable state, federal, and accreditation standards.
About the Position
The Law Enforcement Officer performs advanced law enforcement and security functions to support the safety and operational needs of East Mississippi State Hospital's Newton campus. This position is responsible for patrolling campus grounds, group homes, and buildings; responding to calls for service, incidents, and emergency codes; preparing incident and vehicle collision reports; assisting with admissions and visitation functions; conducting rooms, unit, and vehicle searches; providing patient transportation support as needed; and assisting with hazardous materials collection and substance identification procedures. The Law Enforcement Officer helps maintain a safe and secure environment for patients, staff, visitors, and property and performs related duties in accordance with applicable laws, agency procedures, and the direction of the Public Safety Director.
What youll need to be Successful
To be successful in this position, the employee must demonstrate sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in a variety of law enforcement and public safety situations. The employee should be able to maintain alertness, follow established procedures, communicate effectively both verbally and in writing, and complete required documentation accurately and timely. Success in this role also requires dependability, strong observational skills, physical readiness, and the ability to interact appropriately with patients, staff, visitors, and outside agencies while helping maintain a safe and secure environment.
Preferred Qualifications
Typically requires possession of a State of Mississippi Law Enforcement Professional Certification and 2-4 years of experience in law enforcement. - Hiring Agency Prefers: Experience in campus law enforcement, healthcare security, behavioral health, institutional safety, or public sector law enforcement is preferred. Experience preparing incident reports, responding to emergency calls, conducting searches, and working in a secure campus or residential setting is also preferred.
No available description
Health/Prescription Insurance
Eligible employees have the opportunity to participate in the state's health and prescription insurance program. Employees may select either single or family coverage with affordable co-payments. More detail can be found at Know Your Benefits.
Wellness Benefits
Employees are eligible for a wellness and health promotion program. This plan provides annual benefits for certain services with first-dollar coverage with no deductible.
Life Insurance
All eligible employees receive an actual term life insurance policy upon employment. The policy coverage is two times the employee's annual salary to a maximum of $100,000. More detail can be found at Life Insurance Choices.
Optional Insurances
Many agencies offer discounted premiums for dental, vision, and cancer insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Many state agencies provide opportunity for employees to participate in pre-tax spending accounts. These accounts allow employees to withhold childcare expenses and unreimbursed medical expenses prior to application of state and federal taxes.
Paid Personal Leave and Sick Leave
Full-time employees receive paid time off for personal needs and for sick leave. Leave begins accruing after one month of employment and may be used as it is accrued. Employees earn approximately 18 days of personal leave annually and 12 days of sick leave annually.
Military Leave
In accordance with federal law, all employees serving in the armed forces or the military reserves are entitled to 15 days per year for military training.
Holidays
Employees receive up to 10 paid holidays to enjoy many of our nation's celebrations with family and friends.
Retirement Programs
The State of Mississippi provides all its employees a Defined Benefit/Defined Contribution Retirement Program. Employees become vested in the State's retirement system after 8 years of employment. Both you and your employing agency contribute toward your retirement. More detailed information regarding the State's retirement program can be found at http://www.pers.state.ms.us
Deferred Compensation
State agencies offer several opportunities for their employees to participate in a deferred compensation voluntary retirement savings plan. More information can be found at Deferred Compensation.
State Credit Union
All state employees are eligible to participate in the Mississippi Public Employees' Credit Union. This organization offers state employees special savings and borrowing plans. For more information about this program, call 601.948.8191.
Tuition Reimbursement
Many state agencies provide opportunities for their employees to achieve higher education through tuition reimbursement. Common programs include medical and nursing fields, accounting, and business/administrative fields.
Career Development and Training
The Mississippi State Personnel Board offers several management and administrative certification programs, as well as professional development courses to enhance employee value to the agency. Individual agencies also offer technical training and allow membership in professional organizations to employees in their specific fields of employment.
Promotional Opportunities
Employees who have completed 6 or more months of service are eligible for promotional opportunities within state government employment. Minimum qualifications must be met.
Career Ladders
Many job classifications provide career-ladder opportunities based upon attainment of competencies. These career ladders can increase an individual's salary, provided funds are available within the agency.
01
How many years of law enforcement experience do you have? (Refer to the job posting for an explanation of related experience.)
02
Do you possess a State of Mississippi Law Enforcement Professional Certification?
Required Question
Employer State of Mississippi
Address 210 East Capitol Street
Suite 800
Jackson, Mississippi, 39201
Phone 601-359-1406
601-359-1406