MSH Police Officer Caleb Bowen (second from right) recently graduated from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy in Rankin County. Along with MSH Police Director James Blackwell (center), several of Bowen’s family members attended the ceremony, including: (left to right) Bowen’s cousin Edward Adams of Raleigh; grandfather Howard Bowen of Raleigh; and father, Covington, Jasper, Simpson and Smith County District Attorney Eddie Bowen of Raleigh.
Mississippi State Hospital (MSH) police officer Caleb Bowen of Raleigh has become a certified law enforcement officer after graduating June 25 from the Mississippi Law Enforcement Officers Training Academy (MLEOTA) in Rankin County.
Bowen, a native of Smith County, achieved the highest scholastic average in a class of more than 50 recruits and was ranked 5th overall in the class. In addition, he qualified as an expert in firearms and was one of four class members chosen to serve on the Honor Guard.
“The training was rigorous, but the reward of graduation far outweighs any momentary pain that may have been experienced,” Bowen said. “MLEOTA is the third toughest academy in the nation which – in my opinion – means we received some of the best law enforcement training available.”
The MLEOTA course consists of 10 weeks and 400 hours of firearms, defensive driving and physical training (PT). MSH Police Director James Blackwell credits the success of MSH officers at MLEOTA to the extensive training program the department has developed to prepare officers for the academy.
“Our officers must participate in a PT program on campus and pass a PT test that mimics the PT test given at MLEOTA,” Blackwell said. “In addition, our officers are given a comprehensive test that enables the officer to know his or her academic level prior to entering the academy.”
Bowen is the son of Eddie and Sherrie Bowen of Raleigh. Eddie Bowen serves as District Attorney for Covington, Jasper, Simpson and Smith Counties.
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