MISSISSIPPI LEGISLATURE

2001 Regular Session

To: Wildlife and Fisheries

By: Senator(s) Posey

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-1-15, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REVISE THE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR QUALIFICATION AS A CONSERVATION OFFICER; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 49-1-15, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-1-15. (1) All appointments of conservation officers shall be under rules adopted and promulgated by the commission. No person shall be appointed * * * unless he meets the following requirements:

(a) Is at least twenty-one (21) years of age; * * *

(b) Has passed the required examination by correctly answering at least seventy percent (70%) of the questions on the examination * * *. The examination shall embrace the applicant's knowledge of the state game and fish laws, cattle theft laws and litter laws, and the duties and responsibilities of a conservation officer;

(c) After July 1, 2001, has successfully completed sixty (60) semester hours at an accredited community college or university. The curriculum is subject to approval by the commission. After July 1, 2002, a person must meet the requirements of paragraph (d);

(d) After July 1, 2002, has a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher learning; and

(e) Any other requirements the commission deems necessary to perform the duties of the office.

(2) Each applicant, prior to entering into performance of his duties, at the expense of the department, shall attend and complete an appropriate curriculum in the field of law enforcement at the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers' Training Academy or other training academy whose curriculum complies with requirements of the Board on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and Training. Conservation officers shall, on a periodic basis, be required to successfully complete additional advanced courses in law enforcement in order that they will be properly improved and trained in the modern, technical advances of law enforcement.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2001.