Peace Officer - Iowa State Patrol Capital Complex

Position: Peace Officer Candidate - Iowa State Patrol Capital Complex

This is a non‑merit, temporary position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.

Organization Background

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism. We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions to provide safety for those living in or traveling through Iowa.

DPS Divisions

• Iowa State Patrol
• Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI)
• Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement
• Iowa State Fire Marshal
• Division of Professional Development and Support Services
• Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center
• Administrative Services Division

About the Job

As a Peace Officer Candidate, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety and security of the State Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill Governor’s Residence.

• Building checks
• Operation of magnetometer equipment
• Security presence and dispatching of the police radio system at Terrace Hill
• Locking and unlocking of buildings
• Providing support to troopers and supervisors at Post 16

Qualifications

• Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency
• All applicants must apply to the next DPS Academy application process in which they are eligible, meeting the Minimum Hiring Qualifications in the State Code of Iowa Chapter 501 and additional hiring standards implemented by DPS
• All applicants must be United States citizens (Iowa residency not required)
• Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends
• Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise; interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety

All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program. Screening for the Academy includes:

• Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse or arrest and conviction records that would disqualify a peace officer
• Physical examination and agility test to ensure fitness for duties (drug screens included)
• Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of at least 20/100, correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision
• Hearing exam with no more than a 25‑decibel loss in either ear at specified frequencies
• Battery of psychological exams to determine mental fitness for law enforcement duties
• Oral Board and Polygraph review
• Age – applicants must be at least 18 years old

DPS Academy Hiring Process

• Physical Fitness Testing (1.5 mile run, sit‑ups, push‑ups, and sit‑and‑reach)
• Oral Board (interview)
• Written Test (grammar, spelling, mathematics, writing, etc.)
• Polygraph
• Psychological and medical evaluations
• Extensive background investigation

* Employment as a Peace Officer Candidate does not guarantee entry into the DPS Academy.

Additional Requirements

• Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by DPS investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered
• This is not a remote position

About Us

DPS offers exciting, challenging, and rewarding careers with advanced training and growth opportunities. Whether you see yourself as a Trooper, Special Agent, or providing technical or civilian support, you will make a difference in the lives of Iowans daily.

Benefits Paid Time Off

• Vacation accruals that begin on day one and roll over yearly
• Unlimited sick leave accrual
• Nine (9) paid holidays per year

Insurance Options

• Health – Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums
• Dental – Dental free for single coverage; affordable family coverage with vision discount program
• Life* – $20,000 life insurance free, with option for additional coverage (depending on collective bargaining agreements)
• Long‑Term Disability Insurance – Available at no cost

Retirement

• IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime…