The Columbus Police Department has added six officers to the force.
Kenyada Blair, Colson Eller, Roger Lewis, Claude Long, Matthew Schober and Charles Yarbrough were sworn in Monday night at the Trotter Convention Center along with officers joining police departments in Starkville and West Point.
Chief of Police Selvain McQueen said the newest additions will further the department’s ability to protect and serve Columbus.
“We are striving for excellence every day and the department is moving forward,” he said.
The CPD currently employs 62 officers. A rookie officer who has not yet been to the police academy earns $13.02 an hour.
After they complete the academy, officers earn $14.28 an hour. After one year on the force, officers are bumped to $14.56 an hour.
Sarah Fowler covered crime, education and community related events for The Dispatch.
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