Police Officer

The Johnston Police Department is looking for individuals who represent our core values –
Honor, Protection, and Service
. We are focused on policing for the community through proactive outreach and positive police interactions. We are a people‑oriented agency dedicated to the job we do, the community we serve, and upholding the highest standards of law enforcement ethics and conduct.

If you are driven by a desire to contribute, possess a willingness to be challenged, and want to be a part of an exceptional team that makes a difference in the everyday life of Johnston residents, come join our team as a Police Officer.

Visit the Department's website.

• Performs duties and assignments in compliance with Johnston Police Department policies, procedures, and training and in accordance with federal, state, and local laws.
• Performs general law enforcement and crime prevention duties; enforces laws and practices community policing; and responds to calls for the protection of life and property. Incumbents initially perform more routine duties assigned to positions in this class and work under close supervision. However, as experience is gained, incumbents are expected to perform the full range of duties as assigned with increasing independence.
• Performs other related duties as required or directed.

This position requires a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet all the requirements of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

• Applicants must be 21 years of age.
• Be a citizen of the United States.
• Have no felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude; misdemeanor convictions will be judged on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, normal color vision in each eye.
• Normal hearing in each ear.
• Be of good moral character.
• Ability to clearly speak, read, write, and understand the English language.
• Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol or show a history of recreational drug use.
• Applicants must not object to the use of force in the line of duty.
• Capable of working for extended periods outdoors in adverse weather, unpleasant, or hazardous conditions.
• Ability to push and pull greater than 50 pounds.
• Ability to lift and carry 21–50 pounds.
• Hold a valid Iowa driver's license upon hire.
• Not show a significant history of driving related infractions and be able to safely operate an emergency response vehicle in hazardous conditions.
• Successful candidates shall be required to reside within sixty (60) minutes response time of the Public Safety Building within 180 days of hire.

Applicant testing will be conducted at a future date to be determined. Details on testing will be sent out to those who meet minimum qualifications. When submitting your application a copy of your driver's license needs to be submitted as an attachment.

Certified officers are welcome to apply.

A summary of the supplemental testing process is below and additional details will be provided to candidates selected for further consideration after the Final date to receive applications. Finalists will be vetted and ranked through comprehensive practical skills assessment, physical fitness testing, and the written POST exam.

The physical agility test includes Sit‑ups, Push‑ups, and a One‑and‑a‑half‑mile run.

Physical fitness performance requirements can be found here. The agility test is a pass/fail exam; you must pass all three sections.

If you have taken the physical agility test within the last six months, prior to our testing date, you or the testing agency may submit that data via email to JPDR and request that it be used instead of testing again.

The POST test is a 75‑minute timed test in four sections; mathematics, reading comprehension, grammar, and incident report writing. The minimum passing score for the Johnston Police Department is 70% on each of the four sections of this exam. Candidates who have previously taken the POST test and have a valid test score on file (greater than 70% on each section within six months from our…