Certified Police Officer (State of Iowa only)
Type: Full Time
Salary/Pay Rate: $34.41 - $40.47/hour (lateral transfer details below)
Posted Date: 09/25/2025
Job Details Description
DepartmentPolice Department
Benefits Click here to review a Summary of Employee Benefits
Civil Service Status
This is a Civil Service position
Regular Hours
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-orientedcertified officer applicantswho 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 theWest Des Moines Police Department website (https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/government/police/join-us/police-officer) 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 thisbrochure.
Special NotesCurrent certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience qualify for alateral transferas 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 isnotrequired. 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.
Residency RequirementPer 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 current 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 (Certified 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.
Steps to Apply
Steps to Apply for Police Officer:
Profile: You MUST complete an online Applicant Profile. A link is provided below to our Online Application System.
Attachments: You must attach the following documents to your profile under the Apply For Job section (attachments are job specific, once you click Finish & Apply you will not be able to add any additional documents):
a) Authorization for Background Checks Form (link is provided below)
b) Current/Former Police Officer Packet (link is provided below)
c)Resume(preferred but not required)
Qualifications/Certifications/Licenses : Under the Resume & Qualifications section, make sure to list any certifications or licenses you currently hold.
Applying for Position: Once you have completed your profile, you MUST apply for the position (The link to Finish & Apply is located on the Apply For Job section after you have completed your profile. Once you have applied, it will be listed under your My Applications tab. Any applications marked as Status: Incomplete, have not been submitted.).
Click to open: Authorization for Background Check Form
Click to open: Current/Former Police Officer Packet
Applications will not be rejected due to minor deficiencies that can be corrected prior to testing.
All steps MUST be completed to be considered for this position. We will not accept incomplete profiles. Communication throughout this process (including invitations to any examinations and/or interviews) will be made via the email supplied through the City's on-line application system. It is recommended to check your email "Junk" folder for emails from the City of West Des Moines. If you have any questions during the application process, please contact Human Resources at 515-222-3616 .
The City of West Des Moines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The City does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, sexual orientation, or disability.
Civil Service Exam
An examination consisting of several steps will be administered for this position. For applicants who provide all required materials and meet the minimum qualifications, the examination steps are as follows: application packet evaluation, initial background investigation, oral board exams, in-depth background investigations, ride alongs, polygraphs, and command staff review.
Application review will begin immediately. Any necessary documentation, scheduling requests, deadlines, and further steps in the recruitment process will be communicated via email as required.
If you will be requesting an accommodation for a disability to participate in any portion of the testing, please provide written notification of your request including the specific accommodation you are requesting and verification of the disability as soon as possible.
Additional important information regarding the testing and selection process is detailed below and can also be found by clicking on the following link: [2025 WDMPD Certified Officer Recruitment Information Packet].
To be considered for placement on the certified list, applicants must successfully complete each step of the examination process.
Physical/Drug Test Post offer, pre-employment physical, drug test, and psychological evaluation are required.
Apply Here!City of West Des Moines Online Application System
Instructions & FAQ's
You will need to complete an online profile and apply for this position online. There are Instruction Sheets under the Employment section of our City website as well as a number of topics in ourFAQ section. If after reviewing these help guides you still need additional help, please visit or contact Human Resources 515-222-3616 .
If you are currently employed with the City, please reference theInternal Instruction Sheetprior to applying. With questions, please contact Human Resources at 515-222-3616.
Contact Information
CITY OF WEST DES MOINES
Human Resources, 1st floor, Suite 1E
4200 Mills Civic Parkway
PO Box 65320
West Des Moines, IA 50265-0320
515-222-3616 (phone)
515-273-0601 (fax)
