Police Officer

Police Officer

Type : Full Time

Salary / Pay Rate : $34.41 / hour

Job Summary

We are seeking motivated, community-focused and service-oriented certified officers and non-certified applicants who are eager to make a meaningful difference. 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.

Requirements

Qualified applicants MUST :

• Be twenty-one (21) years of age on or before the date of written examination
• Possess a high school diploma or GED
• Be a citizen of the United States on or before the date of written examination
• Possess a valid (Iowa) driver's license at the time of hire and have an acceptable driving record
• Successfully pass a physical test adopted by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
• Be of good moral character and have not been convicted of a felony or crime involving moral turpitude
• 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
• 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

Steps to Apply

Steps to Apply for Police Officer :

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, physical agility test (PAT), a written examination (POST), oral board exams, in-depth background investigations, ride alongs, polygraphs, and command staff review.

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 but no later than the posted deadline.

Important information regarding the testing and selection process is detailed below and can also be found by clicking on the following link : [2025 WDMPD Recruitment Information Packet].

Saturday, December 13th, 2025 (early-morning) Physical Agility Test (PAT)

Saturday, December 13th, 2025 (late-morning) Police Officer Standard Test (POST)

Week of December 15th, 2025 Oral Board Interviews

December 2025 / January 2026 In-depth background investigations, ride alongs, and polygraphs

Week of February 2nd, 2026 Command Staff Review

These dates are tentative and are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances. 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.

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)