Police Officer

Police Officer

Print (

Apply



Police Officer

Salary

$39.22 - $48.22 Hourly

Location

Des Moines, IA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

9748-06-2026

Department

Police

Division

PD220352 - PD Personnel & Training

Opening Date

07/06/2026

Closing Date

9/4/2026 4:00 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

POL

Occupational Group

Civil Service

Location of Vacancy

Des Moines Police Department

Recruitment

Entrance

Selection Method

All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the Cooper (physical agility) Test. Applicants passing the Cooper Test will take the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) written examination. All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the Cooper (physical agility) Test. Applicants passing the Cooper Test will take the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) written examination (Iowa Certified Police Officers will not be required to retake the POST). Candidates passing the POST will be scheduled for the polygraph exam and background investigation. In the event, there are more than 40 candidates moving forward after the polygraph exam and background investigation, Iowa Code section 400.12A requires consideration of no more than 40 applicants and those tied for 40th. Therefore, those candidates who successfully move forward may participate in further selection steps and notice of additional steps will be provided if they arise. The top 40 candidates and those tied for 40th will move forward to the department for consideration.

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The City of Des Moines is seeking applicants interested in a career as a Police Officer with the Des Moines Police Department. If you are at least 21 years of age (by September 4, 2026), a problem solver who wants to work with people from all cultures, races and economic backgrounds, and have good moral character and integrity, we welcome your application.

Acceptable Experience and Training

Current Iowa certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience qualify for a Police Officer lateral transfer as outlined below :

• No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school;

• Two years of experience as a certified Police Officer in the State of Iowa after graduating from academy without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date; and

• Candidates must have a valid Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification in good standing.

NOTE: Iowa Certified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 to 6 weeks of knowledge, skills, and performance assessment, along with skills enhancement training. Those who successfully complete the lateral training officer program will enter field training. Officers who are deemed less prepared for field training and solo patrol responsibilities may be required to attend the full 24-week academy.

Current out-of-state certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience must meet the below requirements:

• Proof of State Certification as a Certified Police Officer

• No less than 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school;

• Two years of experience as a Certified Police Officer after graduating from academy and without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date and with the ability to become Certified with the State of Iowa within 120 days of appointment date.

NOTE: Out-of-state Certified Police Officers will attend a full 24-week academy.

Entrance Level Applicants

• Graduated from high school or G.E.D.

• Citizen of the United States; and

• 21 Years of age on or before September 4, 2026.

Use the links below for Police Officer Applicant Testing Resources:

2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet (

Cooper Test Instructional Video

Cooper Assessment Preparation Guide (physical fitness test)

POST Study Guide (written exam)

For additional information and resources, visit the Police Department recruitment page at dsm.city/joinDMPD.

Your application must be submitted online by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 4, 2026. Items listed below must be attached to your online application or submitted separately to and Human Resources by the indicated due dates. Documents Required for a complete application by 4:00 p.m. on Monday, September 11, 2026:

• Photocopy of driver's license

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (such as a photocopy of one of the following: U.S. Birth Certificate from state or county, U.S. Passport, Certificate of Citizenship, or Naturalization Certificate)

• High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D. and College transcripts, if any

• References – names and contact information of 3 personal and 3 professional references

• Police Officer Physical Conditioning Waiver (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet)

• Authority for Release of Information -must be notarized (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet ( )

• DD214 Form for military service, if any (If you are unable to submit your DD214 by please contact the City’s Human Resources Department with expectation of when it will be available)

• Certified Police Officers only - Current and Former Police Officer Packet.

**In addition to the above required documents, if you are an Iowa Certified Police Officer or an Out-of-State Certified Officer the below documents are also required to be submitted by the deadline: Proof of State Certification as a Certified Police Officer AND proof of 400 hours of certifying basic law enforcement training school (transcripts/syllabi).

** All of the above documents must be legible.

** REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE EMAILED, FAXED, HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED TO HUMAN RESOURCES.

EMAIL: View email address on click.appcast.io

Fax: View phone number on click.appcast.io

HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED

City of Des Moines

Attn: Human Resources Dept.

1200 Locust St. Des Moines, IA 50309

Summary Of Benefits

Required Special Qualifications

• Possess and maintain a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa or evidence of equivalent mobility; and

• No felony convictions or convictions for crimes involving moral turpitude; and

• Free of drug or alcohol addiction; and

• Meet minimum requirements to be a law enforcement officer consistent with Iowa Code chapter 80(B) and its administrative rules.

• All appointments will be conditional upon the passage of medical, physical fitness, and psychological exams required by the State of Iowa. The medical exam includes a screening for drug use.

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

Class Specifications | Police Officer | Class Spec Details (governmentjobs.com) (