Certified Police Officer (State of Iowa Only)

Description

Civil Service Status

This is a Civil Service position

Hours of Work

10-hour shifts for Patrol and Traffic units (Shift & Days of work may vary)

Tentative Start Date

To Be Determined

Job Summary

We are seeking motivated, community-focused and service-oriented certified officer applicants who are interested in continuing their career with the West Des Moines Police Department. Become a part of a team that prioritizes respect, integrity, quality service, and accountability - and contribute to a greater purpose.

Police Officers perform diverse tasks focused on working with the community to solve problems; protect life and property by patrolling assigned areas; enforce laws and regulations; investigate complaints; prepare detailed reports; and perform other law enforcement related activities.

Explore the West Des Moines Police Department website to find more information and discover what it's like to serve as a West Des Moines Police Officer. Additional details can also be found in this brochure.

Special Notes

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

2 - 4 years of post-academy service: $36.41/hour ($75,733)

4 - 5 years of post-academy service: $38.45/hour ($79,976)

5+ years of post-academy service: $40.47/hour ($84,178)

Individual tours are available for those who want to learn more about the department, explore career opportunities, and visit the department facility. Completion of a tour is not required. If interested, please contact the department at 515-222-3518 or applytoday@wdm.iowa.gov.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until June 30, 2026, unless the position is filled, or the posting is closed earlier. A notice will be provided in the job posting at least two weeks in advance of an early closing. Early applications are encouraged.

Please note that each candidate may only submit one application during the entire application period.

Job Description

Police Officer

Requirements

Residency Requirement:

Per department policy, employees must reside within a one (1) hour normal drive time measured on a drivable route from the employee's residence to the West Des Moines Law Enforcement Center.

Requirements:

Qualified applicants MUST:

• Be a certified police officer in the state of Iowa
• Not have had a break in law enforcement service of more than 180 days.
• Be twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of application
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be a citizen of the United States on or before the date of application
• Possess a valid (Iowa) driver's license at the time of hire and have an acceptable driving record
• Be of good moral character and have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude (Police Officer Candidate Disqualifiers)
• Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Not be opposed to use of force
• Have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, and color vision consistent with the occupational demands of law enforcement
• Have normal hearing in each ear, hearing is considered normal when, tested by an audiometer, hearing sensitivity thresholds are within 25dB measured at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, and 3000Hz averaged together
• Must meet physical standards through a medical examination by a physician
• Not have been previously decertified in Iowa or another jurisdiction
• Not have committed any act that could result in decertification under 501 - Chapter 6

Successful candidates will have the ability to connect with and collaborate alongside individuals from various backgrounds. Additionally, they will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with proficient writing and speaking abilities.

See online job description for complete details.

All applicants must meet the minimum standards for Iowa Law Enforcement Officers as established by legislation and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications but are not successful in this process are encouraged to apply again for future opportunities.

Description

Civil Service Status

This is a Civil Service position

Hours of Work

10-hour shifts for Patrol and Traffic units (Shift & Days of work may vary)

Tentative Start Date

To Be Determined

Job Summary

We are seeking motivated, community-focused and service-oriented certified officer applicants who are interested in continuing their career with the West Des Moines Police Department. Become a part of a team that prioritizes respect, integrity, quality service, and accountability - and contribute to a greater purpose.

Police Officers perform diverse tasks focused on working with the community to solve problems; protect life and property by patrolling assigned areas; enforce laws and regulations; investigate complaints; prepare detailed reports; and perform other law enforcement related activities.

Explore the West Des Moines Police Department website to find more information and discover what it's like to serve as a West Des Moines Police Officer. Additional details can also be found in this brochure.

Special Notes

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

2 - 4 years of post-academy service: $36.41/hour ($75,733)

4 - 5 years of post-academy service: $38.45/hour ($79,976)

5+ years of post-academy service: $40.47/hour ($84,178)

Individual tours are available for those who want to learn more about the department, explore career opportunities, and visit the department facility. Completion of a tour is not required. If interested, please contact the department at 515-222-3518 or applytoday@wdm.iowa.gov.

Deadline to Apply

Applications will be accepted on a continuous basis until June 30, 2026, unless the position is filled, or the posting is closed earlier. A notice will be provided in the job posting at least two weeks in advance of an early closing. Early applications are encouraged.

Please note that each candidate may only submit one application during the entire application period.

Job Description

Police Officer

Requirements

Residency Requirement:

Per department policy, employees must reside within a one (1) hour normal drive time measured on a drivable route from the employee's residence to the West Des Moines Law Enforcement Center.

Requirements:

Qualified applicants MUST:

• Be a certified police officer in the state of Iowa
• Not have had a break in law enforcement service of more than 180 days.
• Be twenty-one (21) years of age at the time of application
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be a citizen of the United States on or before the date of application
• Possess a valid (Iowa) driver's license at the time of hire and have an acceptable driving record
• Be of good moral character and have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude (Police Officer Candidate Disqualifiers)
• Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol
• Not be opposed to use of force
• Have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, and color vision consistent with the occupational demands of law enforcement
• Have normal hearing in each ear, hearing is considered normal when, tested by an audiometer, hearing sensitivity thresholds are within 25dB measured at 500Hz, 1000Hz, 2000Hz, and 3000Hz averaged together
• Must meet physical standards through a medical examination by a physician
• Not have been previously decertified in Iowa or another jurisdiction
• Not have committed any act that could result in decertification under 501 - Chapter 6

Successful candidates will have the ability to connect with and collaborate alongside individuals from various backgrounds. Additionally, they will demonstrate critical thinking and problem-solving skills, along with proficient writing and speaking abilities.

See online job description for complete details.

All applicants must meet the minimum standards for Iowa Law Enforcement Officers as established by legislation and the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Applicants who meet the minimum qualifications but are not successful in this process are encouraged to apply again for future opportunities.

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