What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Officer position at West Des Moines Police Department?
Police Officer (Certified and Non-Certified)
City of West Des Moines
$37.14/Hour
The West Des Moines Police Department is seeking motivated, community-focused and service-oriented individuals, including certified officers and non-certified applicants for full-time Police Officer positions. Must be 21 and have a high school diploma or GED. 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 abilities, along with proficient writing and speaking abilities. Become a part of a team that prioritizes respect, integrity, quality service, and accountability- and contribute to a greater purpose.
** Current certified law enforcement officers with the appropriate sworn, post-academy experience may qualify for a lateral transfer. The Chief, with the approval of the City Manager, shall have the authority to place a new officer on any step based upon factors determined by the City.
See the City’s website at www.wdm.iowa.gov for the full job description and to apply. Public computers are available at the library and in the HR office at City Hall. Post-offer, pre-employment physical, drug test, and psychological evaluation required.
If interested, please submit an online application with the required attachments. To be considered, required materials must be submitted by 11:59 PM on Tuesday, November 10th, 2026.
The City of West Des Moines is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Qualifications:
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 (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
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.
Salary : $77,250 - $108,096