Records Specialist

This posting is to develop an eligibility list for future open positions.

Open until filled - First review September 7, 2026

The Des Moines Police Department is currently establishing an Eligibility List for Records Specialist positions. Applicants must be a minimum of 18 years of age, pass exams as mandated by the Civil Service Commission and the Des Moines Police Department, including extensive pre-employment background and criminal history checks, polygraph and drug screening; pass a typing test at a minimum of 45 wpm and a general skills assessment test, have the ability to work variable 8 to 12-hour rotating shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays;

and meet the additional minimum requirements as outlined in the job announcement at the time of application.

Note that once you submit your online application you will be immediately prompted to complete the online typing test. Those who meet the minimum qualifications and pass the typing test at 45 words per minute (minimum) will receive an email invitation from the Civil Service Secretary/Chief Examiner to participate in an online general skills assessment that must be completed.

The top 10 scoring candidates on the skills assessment test will receive an email invitation to an Oral Board Interview which typically takes place on-site.

Following completion of the Oral Boards, the written and oral board scores will be combined and an Eligibility List created in rank order. The City of Des Moines uses the Rule of Five, which means the Department must pick from the top five candidates on the Eligibility List. The List remains effective for 12 months, unless extended or revoked by the Civil Service Commission.

If you have any questions about the position or the examination and selection process, please contact Alexandra Reyes, Civil Service Secretary/Examiner, at  or areyes.

Records Specialists provide the main clerical support for the Police Department. Provides the processing and initial distribution of departmental reports, maintains an up-to-date records system, and maintains office supply inventories. Interacts with the public and provides information and dissemination of records, within guidelines. In order to provide clerical and administrative support for 24-hour Police Department operations, must be able to work variable 8 to 12-hour shifts, including nights, weekends, and holidays, and must be willing to work day, swing, and graveyard shifts on a rotating basis.

• Performs routine and moderately complex clerical and administrative support work in answering phones, receiving the public, providing customer assistance, data processing and other essential law enforcement clerical duties such as filing, scanning, record keeping and information quality control.
• Receives and distributes case reports, follow-up investigation reports and other reports as required.
• Prepares follow-up reports and other reports as required.
• Prepares law enforcement records for disclosure, particularly when request is complex in nature, requiring an in-depth knowledge of state and federal regulations, and independent judgment about whether information may be released.
• Ensures records and information systems are maintained in accordance with rules, regulations, space, and other considerations; monitors and makes adjustments as necessary.
• Audits completed work and work in progress to ensure that data is entered in accordance with system standards and that proper edit and audit procedures are followed.
• Assures compliance with laws relating to criminal history.
• Makes the proper distribution of incoming and outgoing mail.
• Processes concealed weapons permit applications and properly processes payment for applications.
• Greets and assists the public, in person and on the telephone, in a professional and timely manner, presenting a positive image of the City and the department.
• Makes records entries in multiple computer databases including but not limited to warrants and civil orders. Ensures these entries are maintained in accordance with department, state and federal guidelines.
• Transcribes recorded records to written form.
• Accepts payments for alarm registrations, pet licenses, public disclosure fees, restitution, and any other monetary transactions. Processes nightly deposit and reconcilement of daily receipts.
• Provides information to officers in the field via police radio.
• Performs other duties as assigned, including but not limited to being assigned to cover absences or relief, equalize peak work periods, or balance the workload.

Knowledge of:

• Law enforcement services and responsibilities.
• Policies, procedures, rules and regulations of the department dealing with all matters that come within the area of responsibility.
• Emergency response procedures.
• Principles of administration and modern record keeping techniques.
• Basic accounting principles.

Ability to:

• Establish and maintain…