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Police Academy Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

City of Waukee, IA

Police Officer

Waukee, IA · On-site

$36.50 - $48.03/hr

Wages: * Certified Officer: $36.50 - $48.03 * Non-Certified Police Officer: $33.75 (After successful completion of the police academy, wages may increase.) Tentative Hiring Process Timeline ...

City of Waukee

Police Officer

Waukee, IA

$33.75 - $44.41/hr

Certified Officer: $36.50 - $48.03 Non-Certified Police Officer: $33.75 (After successful completion of the police academy, wages may increase.) Tentative Hiring Process Timeline Applications: This ...

City of Des Moines, IA

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Candidates must have a valid Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Certification in good standing. NOTE: Iowa C ertified Police Officers selected for the lateral training officer program will participate in 4 ...

City of Des Moines

Police Officer

Des Moines, IA

$40.69 - $50.03/hr

Two years of experience as a certified Police Officer in the State of Iowa after graduating from academy without a break in service of more than 12-months from the appointment date; and Candidates ...

City of Ottumwa

Police Officer

Ottumwa, IA

Upon completion of the Iowa Law Enforcement academy, officers will work 12-hour shifts, averaging ... Knowledge of police practices, tactics, techniques and methods To review the full , please click ...

City of Ottumwa

Police Officer

Ottumwa, IA · On-site

$32.79 - $42.28/hr

Police Officers may work in a variety of assignments within the Department. A police officer is ... Upon completion of the Iowa Law Enforcement academy, officers will work 12-hour shifts, averaging ...

City of Fort Dodge, IA

Police Officer

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$63K/yr

Police Department Opening Date: 07/27/2026 Closing Date: 9/16/2026 5:00 PM Central Description ... PREPARE FOR THE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Physical Standards: We ...

City of Marion

Police Officer - Lateral

Marion, IA · On-site

$69K - $98K/yr

Attend ongoing training to meet Iowa Law Enforcement Academy standards and departmental ... Police procedures, court processes, evidence handling, and investigative techniques. * City ...

Iowa State University

Police Sergeant

Ames, IA · On-site

Police Sergeant Job Group:Merit Required Minimum Qualifications ... Possession of certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy as a Law Enforcement Officer, or ...

Iowa State University

Police Sergeant

Ames, IA · On-site

Police Sergeant Job Group: Merit Required Minimum Qualifications: • Possession of certification ... Enforcement Academy as a Law Enforcement Officer, or • Possession of law enforcement ...

City of Norwalk, IA

Police Officer

IA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

The Norwalk Police Department is looking for dedicated, service-minded professionals who are ... Preference may be given to applicants certified through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy or any ...

City of Norwalk (IA)

Police Officer

Norwalk, IA

$76K - $98K/yr

The Norwalk Police Department is looking for dedicated, service-minded professionals who are ... Preference may be given to applicants certified through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy or any ...

City of Mason City, IA

Police Officer

Mason City, IA · On-site

$71K - $95K/yr

Police Opening Date: 07/03/2026 Residency Requirement?: Yes Residency Requirement Map: Description ... Must meet the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) physical fitness and vision standards. * For ...

City of Mason City

Police Officer

Mason City, IA

$71K - $95K/yr

Join the Mason City Police Department. Are you passionate about serving your community and starting ... Must meet the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) physical fitness and vision standards. For ...

City of Fort Dodge

Police Officer

Fort Dodge, IA · On-site

$63K/yr

PREPARE FOR THE PHYSICAL AGILITY TEST Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Physical Standards: We encourage applicants to start training early. A consistent routine-even a few days a week-can make a ...

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All JobsPolice Academy JobsPolice Academy Jobs in Iowa

Police Academy information

See Iowa salary details

$30.5K

$58.4K

$97.2K

How much do police academy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for police academy in Iowa is $58,374.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,600.00 and $70,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police academy?

A police academy is a training school where aspiring law enforcement officers receive the education and physical preparation needed to become police officers. Recruits learn about criminal law, procedures, ethics, firearms use, emergency response, and community policing. The academy combines classroom instruction with hands-on training to ensure candidates are ready for the demands of police work. Upon successful completion, graduates are typically eligible to join a police force or law enforcement agency.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police academy cadet, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Academy cadet, you need a high school diploma or GED, physical fitness, and a basic understanding of law enforcement principles. Training involves learning to use firearms, radio communication systems, and law enforcement databases, often supplemented by certifications in CPR and first aid. Strong ethical judgment, teamwork, and effective communication are crucial soft skills for building trust and responding to high-pressure situations. These competencies ensure cadets are prepared to handle the demands of policing, maintain public safety, and uphold community standards.

What are some common challenges faced by trainees during police academy, and how can they prepare for them?

Police Academy trainees often face challenges such as adapting to rigorous physical training, mastering a wide range of academic subjects, and learning to work effectively as part of a disciplined team. Balancing classroom learning with hands-on exercises and maintaining high ethical standards can also be demanding. To prepare, applicants should focus on improving their physical fitness, brushing up on relevant laws and procedures, and developing strong communication and teamwork skills. Approaching the Academy with a positive attitude and a willingness to learn will help trainees succeed and build a solid foundation for their law enforcement careers.

What is the difference between Police Academy vs Police Officer Training Program?

AspectPolice Academy
PurposeTo train recruits in law enforcement skills and knowledge before becoming officers
DurationTypically several weeks to months
CredentialsCertification or diploma upon completion
Work EnvironmentClassroom, training grounds, simulated scenarios

The Police Academy is a comprehensive training program that prepares individuals to become police officers. It covers law enforcement procedures, physical training, and legal knowledge. The Police Officer Training Program refers to this initial training process that equips recruits with the skills needed to serve as officers. Both terms are often used interchangeably, but the Police Academy specifically denotes the training institution and curriculum.

Do you get paid while in a police academy?

Police academy trainees typically receive a salary or stipend during their training period, which can vary by department but often includes benefits like health insurance. The pay usually continues until they are sworn in as officers and begin active duty. Some academies also provide uniforms and training materials at no cost to trainees.

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

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

What job categories do people searching Police Academy jobs in Iowa look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Academy jobs in Iowa are:

Police Academy jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Academy job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, and 9% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $58,374 per year, or $28.1 per hour.

Police Officer

City of Waukee, IA

Waukee, IA • On-site

$36.50 - $48.03/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 8 days ago

Job description

Salary: Depends on Qualifications
Location : Police Department - 815 NW 20th St, Waukee, IA
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 2026-June Posting
Department: Police
Opening Date: 06/09/2026
JOB PURPOSE
The City of Waukee is looking for Police Officers to join our team. A Waukee Police Officer performs law enforcement and crime prevention for the safety and protection of life and property in the City of Waukee. The City of Waukee is recognized as one of the fastest-growing cities in Iowa and is located in Dallas County - one of the fastest growing counties in the US, giving employees opportunities for career advancement. Waukee offers a family-friendly environment featuring quality parks, schools and trails. The Waukee Police Department is very team oriented and has a culture of success.
This position will be posted until filled.
Wages:
  • Certified Officer: $36.50 - $48.03
  • Non-Certified Police Officer: $33.75 (After successful completion of the police academy, wages may increase.)

Tentative Hiring Process Timeline
Applications: This position will be posted until filled.
Physical Ability Evaluations and Written Exam: Testing will take place on Friday, August 7, 2026. We will keep candidates updated, if there are multiple testing dates. The Physical Agility Test and Police Officer Selection Test (POST) will be administered to qualified applicants. Candidates selected to test will receive detailed instructions by email at a later date.
Applicants must present a valid photo ID and birth certificate on the day of testing.
Iowa Certified Officers (lateral transfers) are not required to complete the testing process.
Interviews: Panel interviews will tentatively be scheduled on Friday, August 14, 2026
We offer an excellent benefit package: Health/Dental/Vision, Life Insurance, Long Term Disability, Vacation, Sick Leave, Holidays, Longevity, Educational Incentive and IPERS.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS & SUCCESS FACTORS
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
(Order of Essential Functions does not indicate importance of functions.)
  • Patrols the city and responds to calls for service to control traffic, protect life and property, prevent crime and provide for the safeguarding of citizens.
  • Completes all written reports as required.
  • Conducts preliminary investigations including interviewing witnesses, victims and suspects of complaints, accident/crime scenes and other assigned cases to apprehend violators, to enforce laws and to determine if charges should be filed.
  • Secures and preserves evidence. Appears in court to present evidence and give testimony.
  • Writes citations, arrests violators of the law and processes arrested subject.
  • Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with other law enforcement agencies in matters relating to the apprehension of offenders and the investigation of offenses.
  • Complies with and has excellent knowledge of all departmental Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
  • Performs other duties or assumes other responsibilities as apparent or assigned.

SUCCESS FACTORS:
  • Takes action in solving problems while exhibiting judgment and a systematic approach to decision making.
  • Creates and participates in a team environment.
  • Displays honesty, trustworthiness, dependability and respectfulness at all times.
  • Supports all efforts to increase cooperation, communication, and collaboration between and among departments, staff members and the community.
  • Understands and internalizes the importance of seeking resolution to problems and concerns by bringing them to the direct attention of supervisor in a timely manner.
  • Attends administrative, department, and team meetings as scheduled.
  • Safeguards confidential information and uses it or disclose it only as expressly authorized or specifically required in the course of performing specific job duties.
  • Continually seeks and accepts opportunities for personal and professional growth including practicing the use of firearms.
  • Contributes to overall City effectiveness by providing critical staff support to task forces and by participating, as necessary, in assisting all other teams.
  • Attentive to the City's and Department's standards for customer service, accuracy, quality, efficiency and all City and Department policies and procedure ensuring that all work performed meets those standards.
  • Excellent knowledge of current municipal, state, and federal codes, laws and ordinances, interpreting and enforcing the same.

QUALIFICATIONS
QUALIFICATIONS:
  • High school diploma or GED. Associate's or bachelor's degree preferred.
  • Experience in law enforcement preferred.
  • Bi-lingual and bi-cultural understanding preferred.
  • Must be 21 years of age or older by date of hire.
  • Must possess and have the ability to maintain a valid Driver's License.
  • Must be able to obtain an Iowa Professional Permit to carry weapons.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORKING CONDITIONS
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
  • Must meet all minimum standards for Iowa Law Enforcement Officers per ILEA.
  • Able to perform all essential functions of the position while wearing required protective equipment.
  • Able to lift, pull, push up to 100 pounds unassisted when necessary.
  • Be responsive to verbal and visible signs of distress and alarms.
  • Able to remember names, faces and details of incidents.
  • Able to effectively communicate orally (in person and over the telephone) and in writing (using electronic devices and handwritten) in English with other employees, vendors and the community.
WORKING CONDITIONS:
  • Position requires outdoor work where heat, cold, precipitation, and the results of weather and nature may be encountered.
  • Position requires travel within and outside of the City which imposes common travel hazards.
  • Will be exposed to emergencies, stressful situations, and significant work place pressure.
  • Standard work hours must be flexible, will include days, evenings, over nights and weekends, may be greater than 40 hours per week, and may be called to report to duty at any time.
  • To successfully fulfill the essential functions of this position, employee must maintain standard work hours within Waukee Public Safety building.
  • There is no residency requirement for this position.

The City of Waukee offers a complete benefits package to full-time employees including: health, dental, vision, flexible spending account, life insurance and AD&D, long-term disability insurance, pension, holidays, vacation, sick leave and deferred compensation plan.
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