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Capitol Police Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Capitol Police information

See Iowa salary details

$22.5K

$56.9K

$78.9K

How much do capitol police jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for capitol police in Iowa is $56,946.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $61,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Capitol Police?

Capitol Police are specialized law enforcement officers responsible for protecting the United States Capitol, its members, staff, visitors, and the surrounding complex. Their duties include enforcing laws, maintaining order, and securing the facilities used by Congress. In addition to security, they often coordinate with other law enforcement agencies and respond to emergencies or threats within the Capitol area. The United States Capitol Police (USCP) is the primary agency performing these functions in Washington, D.C.

What are some common challenges Capitol Police officers face in their daily duties?

Capitol Police officers often encounter unique challenges such as balancing public access with stringent security protocols, managing large crowds during high-profile events, and responding quickly to potential threats on government property. The dynamic nature of the Capitol means officers must remain vigilant and adaptable, frequently communicating with various law enforcement agencies and government officials. Additionally, maintaining professionalism under pressure and ensuring the safety of both lawmakers and visitors is a key aspect of the role.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Capitol Police officer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Capitol Police officer, you need law enforcement training, physical fitness, a high school diploma or higher, and graduation from a police academy. Familiarity with security technology, firearms, communication systems, and certifications like CPR are typically required. Strong judgment, calm under pressure, integrity, and effective communication are essential soft skills for this role. These skills are critical for ensuring the safety and security of government facilities, public officials, and visitors in high-stakes situations.

What is the difference between Capitol Police vs Security Guard?

AspectCapitol PoliceSecurity Guard
Required CredentialsPolice academy training, law enforcement certificationHigh school diploma or equivalent, security training
Work EnvironmentGovernment buildings, federal property, law enforcement settingPrivate or public property, various settings
Employer & IndustryU.S. Capitol Police, federal governmentPrivate security firms, retail, corporate

Capitol Police and Security Guards both ensure safety but differ in training, authority, and work environment. Capitol Police are law enforcement officers with federal authority, primarily protecting government buildings. Security Guards typically have less training and focus on access control and surveillance in various settings. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job search focus.

Is Capitol Police hard to get into?

Capitol Police recruitment is competitive and requires meeting specific eligibility criteria, including background checks, physical fitness tests, and passing written exams. Candidates often need relevant experience, security clearances, and sometimes specialized training or certifications, making the hiring process challenging but achievable for qualified applicants.

What are popular job titles related to Capitol Police jobs in Iowa?

For Capitol Police jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Capitol Police job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $56,946 per year, or $27.4 per hour.

Peace Officer Candidate - Iowa State Patrol Capitol Complex

State of Iowa

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$50K - $74K/yr

Temporary

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, PTO

Posted 15 days ago


State Of Iowa rating

7.0

Company rating: 7.0 out of 10

Based on 83 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 50 rated states


Job description

Job Description This is a non-merit position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. This is not a remote position.

Hours worked will vary, consisting of a day shift, night shift, and midnight shift. Don't miss out on this unique opportunity to serve as a Peace Officer Candidate with the Iowa Department of Public Safety and take the first step towards becoming a Certified Peace Officer. Organization Background The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) is a statewide law enforcement agency committed to serving the people of Iowa with leadership, integrity, and professionalism.

We uphold the core values of courtesy, service, and protection, and collaborate with federal, state, and local jurisdictions within the criminal justice community to provide for the safety of people living in or traveling through the State of Iowa. DPS is comprised of the following divisions: Iowa State Patrol Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) Iowa Division of Narcotics Enforcement Iowa State Fire Marshal Division of Professional Development and Support Services Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center Administrative Services Division About the Job As a Peace Officer Candidate, your primary responsibility will be to ensure the safety and security of the State Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill Governor's Residence including but not limited to: Building checks Operation of magnetometer equipment Security presence and dispatching of the police radio system at Terrace Hill. Locking and unlocking of buildings.

Providing support to the troopers and supervisors at Post 16 Qualifications Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency All applicants must apply to the next DPS Academy application process in which they are eligible, meeting the Minimum Hiring Qualifications in the State Code of Iowa Chapter 501. Additionally, all applicants must meet the additional hiring standards implemented by the Iowa Department of Public Safety. This is a temporary, non-sworn position.

POC's are expected to apply separately for openings within the Iowa Department of Public Safety during the next applicable academy hiring process. As a Peace Officer Candidate, you will be given up to four opportunities to seek employment as a Certified Peace Officer with the Iowa Department of Public Safety. If you are unsuccessful after four attempts at being accepted into the DPS Academy, you will be asked to resign your position as a Peace Officer Candidate.

The DPS Academy hiring process will include the following: Physical Fitness Testing (1.5-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups and sit and reach) Oral Board (interview) Written Test (grammar, spelling, mathematics, writing, etc.) Completion of a Polygraph Psychological and Medical Evaluations Extensive Background Investigation *Employment as a Peace Officer Candidate does not guarantee your entrance into the DPS Academy. Additional Requirements - The State of Iowa is an E-Verify Employer. - Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Iowa Department of Public Safety investigators before a final letter of employment offer is delivered

- Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application. - This is not a remote position. About Us DPS is a unique statewide policing agency that offers exciting, challenging and rewarding careers with advanced training and opportunities for growth that you will not find anywhere else.

Whether you see yourself working on the front lines as a Trooper or Special Agent - or behind the scenes providing technical assistance and support in a civilian role, you will be making a difference in the lives of Iowans every day. Included with all of this is a great salary and benefits plan: simply icing on the cake. Benefits At the State of Iowa, we value our employees' talents and backgrounds, and are committed to your well-being beyond the paycheck.

As a valued team member, you will enjoy a comprehensive benefits package that includes: Paid Time Off: Vacation accruals that begin on day one and rollover on a yearly basis Unlimited sick leave accrual Nine (9) paid holidays per year Insurance Options: Health - Affordable plans with the state paying more than 90% of premiums Dental - Dental - Free for single coverage and affordable family coverage with access to a vision discount program Life* - $20,000 in life insurance free, with an option to purchase additional coverage (*depending upon Collective Bargaining Agreements) Long-Term Disability Insurance - Available at no cost Retirement: IPERS Retirement package offering a lifetime monthly financial benefit for vested employees. For every $1 an employee contributes, the state matches with $1.50 Retirement Investors' Club (RIC) offering a voluntary savings program including a State match of up to $75/month Flexibility: Flexible Spending Accounts for medical and dependent care Support: Employee Assistance Programs and Employee Discount Programs To learn more about the benefits of working with the State of Iowa, visit our benefits webpage: Benefits at a Glance | Iowa Department of Administrative Services E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States

The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Minimum Qualification Requirements Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description. Additional Qualification Requirements All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program. Screening for the Academy includes: a) Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse, or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer.

b) Physical examination and agility test to assure that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties (drug screens included). c) Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision. d) Hearing exam with a loss not exceeding a 25-decibel average in either ear at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles.

e) Battery of psychological exams to determine that the individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer. f) Oral Board and Polygraph review. g) Age - applicants must be at least 18 years of age.

All applicants must be United States citizens but need not be Iowa residents at the time of application. Applicants must successfully complete and graduate from the Departmental Academy. Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services - Human Resources Enterprise.

Interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety. Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.


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About State of Iowa

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The State of Iowa is not a company but the governmental structure of the U.S. state of Iowa, stationed in the capital city, Des Moines. The official website, iowa.gov, is a platform dedicated to providing information and services related to the state's governance. As a governmental establishment, the State of Iowa's 'industry' primarily involves social governance, policy-making, and public administration, overseeing sectors like education, health, transportation, agriculture, and other public services.

Industry

Public administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Des Moines, IA, US

Year founded

1939