The Vicksburg Police Department’s plans to hire part-time police officers has received a good response, Police Chief Milton Moore said.

“As of last week, we have received 50 applications,” he said, adding applications have been received from people from Jackson, Rankin County and Pearl. The applications include one retired Vicksburg officer, he said.

“We hope to have some hired next month for the holiday season,” he said.

Presently, Moore said, Capt. Mike Bryant, the department’s internal affairs officer, is doing background checks on some of the applicants.

The Board of Mayor and Aldermen Oct. 10 approved hiring part-time officers to help deal with a manpower shortage in the department. The department presently has 61 officers. It is budgeted for 81.

Part-time officers holding full-time certification can work up to 25 hours a week. Officers holding a part-time certification can work up to 10 hours a week, Moore said.

Pay for a part-time officer is $25 an hour.

Under the city’s policy, officers applying for the position must have either full or part-time state police officer standards and training certification, or they must pass a physical fitness agility test at a 50 percent efficiency level and complete an accredited part-time law enforcement officer’s training academy within two years of being hired.

Besides holding current certification, prospective part-time officers must also pass a background check, pass an interview with Moore, pass a drug screen, a physical examination, receive a satisfactory psychological evaluation, and must qualify with a department-issue handgun and be immediately available for work.