NATCHEZ — With three officer vacancies at the Natchez Police Department, Police Chief Mike Mullins is looking for new hires.

Mullins said Wednesday applications are available at Natchez City Hall on South Pearl Street from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and should be filled out and returned to City Hall by 4 p.m. Friday.

Applicants must live in Adams County, be 21 years old or older and have a high school diploma or GED.

Mullins said the police department is budgeted for 47 sworn officers, which should exempt the NPD of the city’s current hiring freeze. Of the 44 officers now employed, three are out with injuries and one is out on military leave.

“In essence we’re working seven short,” Mullins said.

Mullins said an officer’s starting salary is $24,120, which includes health insurance and benefits. Mullins emphasized the department uses a step pay plan to increase an officer’s salary as he or she acquires experience.

Once applications are submitted, candidates must score 70 percent or more on a written general knowledge test to be given March 3 at the Natchez Community Center on Franklin Street, Mullins said.

Candidates must then pass a physical agility test given by the department, and an interview with the Civil Service Commission.

Mullins said if a candidate passes the interview, he or she will be placed on an eligibility list from which the department can hire new officers. A candidate’s ranking on the list is solely based on interview scores.

Candidates remain on the eligibility list for exactly one year, Mullins said.

Mullins said the department loses an average of three officers per year due to various reasons such as retirement. He anticipates more vacancies before year’s end.

For more information, contact Mullins at 601-445-7530.