Police Officer Job Des Moines area,Iowa USA,Government

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 y/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)

DMPD Personal History Statement.

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…