Police Officer

National Police; Des Moines (IA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Des Moines Police Department is recruiting Police Officers in Des Moines, IA. Applicants must be at least 21 by September 4, 2026, possess integrity, and be prepared to work with diverse communities.

Lateral transfers are available for Iowa-certified officers who meet post-academy requirements. Entrance-level applicants must have a high school diploma or GED, US citizenship, and meet application deadlines.

Qualifications

• Be at least 21 years of age by September 4, 2026.
• Two years of experience as a certified Police Officer in Iowa after academy with no break in service >12 months.
• Valid Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification in good standing.
• For out-of-state certified officers: must have state certification, 400 hours of certifying basic training, two years of experience after academy, and ability to become Iowa certified within 120 days.

Job description

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.

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:

1. Photocopy of driver's license
2. 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)
3. High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D. and College transcripts, if any
4. References – names and contact information of 3 personal and 3 professional references
5. Police Officer Physical Conditioning Waiver (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet)
6. Authority for Release of Information -must be notarized (See 2026 Police Officer Recruitment Packet)
7. 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)
8. DMPD Personal History Statement.
9. 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: [e-mail]
Fax: [phone]
HAND DELIVERED OR MAILED
City of Des Moines
Attn: Human Resources Dept.
1200 Locust St.
Des Moines, IA 50309

Summary Of Benefits

• 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.

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