Clarksdale sending four new officers to the Academy
They raised their right hand and swore to serve, protect and enforce the laws of the State of Mississippi.
The Clarksdale Board of Mayor and Aldermen hosted a formal oath ceremony Monday as four new policemen were welcomed to the force.
The group now heads to the Police Academy in Jackson on August 18 for several weeks of training.
Jaylan Benson, Jasmine Booker, Larry Grimes and Charlie Keys are the department’s newest officers.
“Safety is the primary business of law enforcement,” said Chief Sandra Williams. “I can’t stress how important it is to get out there and personally and professionally promote safety in a community.”
These four raise the city’s police department to 42.
“The city is a team and while we have many departments and team players, we all work to make this community stronger and better,” said Mayor Chuck Espy. “Welcome to the team.”
Training consists of 12 weeks at the academy, followed by several more weeks of on-the-job training and riding with a veteran officer assigned to the rookie officer.
Williams said this group has already passed national, state and local background checks, drug tests, psychological assessment and basic physical screening.
Williams remembered taking her oath of service 28-years ago in Vicksburg.
“My grand-daughter held the Bible as I swore to serve and protect,” said Williams. “It was serious but also exciting to embark on a career in law enforcement.
“I had no idea what I was getting into,” she added, “but the rewards and satisfaction of serving the public and really making a difference in your community are there every day.”
