Mississippi Police Badge Requirements & Regulations Guide
Complete guide to BLESST certification standards and badge specifications for law enforcement across the Magnolia State
Mississippi law enforcement badges are governed by the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training (BLESST). All sworn officers must be BLESST-certified. Mississippi has 82 counties with elected sheriffs using star badges, while municipal police use shields. Mississippi Highway Patrol provides statewide coverage. Hot, humid climate requires quality badge construction.
- Approximately 6,000 sworn law enforcement officers statewide
- 82 county sheriff offices
- Over 250 municipal police departments
- Mississippi Highway Patrol: ~500 troopers
- 35th most populous state with 3 million residents
- BLESST minimum training: 480 hours for certification
Mississippi Law Enforcement Overview
Mississippi’s 82 counties create a traditional Southern law enforcement structure with powerful elected sheriffs. The Mississippi Bureau of Investigation (MBI) handles major crimes statewide, while the Highway Patrol provides traffic enforcement and support to local agencies.
Jackson Police Department is the largest municipal force, serving the state capital. Many rural Mississippi counties rely heavily on sheriff deputies for primary law enforcement.
Mississippi’s hot, humid climate accelerates tarnishing on lower-quality finishes. Coastal agencies along the Gulf face salt air exposure. Specify hard enamel with quality plating (20+ mils) for durability. Gulf Coast agencies should consider marine-grade finishes.
- Mississippi has 82 county sheriffs using star badges
- BLESST certification (480 hours) required
- Hot, humid climate requires quality materials
- Sheriffs use stars; police use shields
The Bottom Line
Mississippi maintains traditional Southern law enforcement structures. For custom badge orders, see our badge procurement guide.