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Police Aide Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Police Aide information

See Iowa salary details

$11

$19

$27

How much do police aide jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for police aide in Iowa is $19.31, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.82 and $21.68 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police aide?

A police aide assists police officers by performing clerical duties. People in this job often want to gain experience in law enforcement before applying for a career as a police officer. Some responsibilities include answering telephones, helping officers fill out reports, processing and booking those accused of a crime, and helping citizens with public safety issues. Police aides are not sworn officers, and they are not allowed to make arrests or perform any of the official legal functions of a police officer.

What does a police aide do?

Police Aides are responsible for a variety of administrative and support tasks that allow sworn officers to focus on critical law enforcement duties. Their daily responsibilities often include assisting with report preparation, managing records, directing traffic, and processing evidence or property. Police Aides may also interact with the public at police stations, handle non-emergency calls, and support community outreach programs. By managing these essential functions, they enhance department efficiency and contribute to a safer community.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police aide?

To thrive as a Police Aide, you need a high school diploma or equivalent, strong organizational abilities, and a thorough understanding of law enforcement procedures. Familiarity with police records management systems, radio communication equipment, and basic office software is typically required. Attention to detail, integrity, and strong interpersonal skills help Police Aides perform administrative tasks while supporting the public and law enforcement personnel. These skills ensure efficient department operations and contribute to the overall effectiveness and professionalism of police services.

What is the difference between Police Aide vs Police Clerk?

AspectPolice AidePolice Clerk
Required credentialsHigh school diploma or equivalentHigh school diploma or equivalent, sometimes additional clerical training
Work environmentFieldwork, assisting officers, community engagementOffice setting, handling administrative tasks
Employer and industry usageLaw enforcement agencies, community policingPolice departments, administrative offices

Police Aides and Police Clerks both support law enforcement agencies but serve different roles. Police Aides typically assist officers in the field and community activities, while Police Clerks handle administrative and clerical duties within police departments. Both positions require similar educational backgrounds but differ in work environment and daily responsibilities.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Iowa?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Iowa are:

What cities in Iowa are hiring for Police Aide jobs?

Cities in Iowa with the most Police Aide job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Aide job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, and 10% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $40,166 per year, or $19.3 per hour.

PUBLIC SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

Des Moines, IA • On-site

$70K - $92K/yr

Full-time

Posted 28 days ago


Job description

Under general supervision, operates a complex communication system for the Polk County Sheriff's Office; responds to emergency and administrative calls and dispatches public safety and public service personnel and equipment. Illustrative Examples of Work Operates a computerized radio console and paging encoder system; receives and transmits radio messages; broadcasts pertinent information as required. Operates an enhanced 911 system and a telephone console; receives and relays messages; directs requests for assistance for police, fire, and ambulances to the appropriate agency; prioritizes calls for service and dispatches in appropriate order; operates a recording device.

Maintains a complete log of telephone and radio calls received and transmitted via a computerized dispatching system in accordance with Federal Communication Commission regulations. Inputs data into the computerized dispatching system to produce information for mandated and management reports; enters information into the computer; enters, files, cancels, and verifies data on warrants issued by courts in accordance with applicable state and Federal laws; maintains files and records of no-contact orders issued by the courts; performs tests of emergency communications equipment. Retrieves on-line data and paper file information from a variety of sources and relays information to the appropriate destination.

Receives and directs messages, inquiries, and information requests from the public to the appropriate source; releases impounded vehicles in accordance with the applicable laws; maintains building security during non-office hours. Performs related duties as assigned. Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of Federal Communication Commission rules and regulations.

Knowledge of Polk County boundaries of jurisdiction. Knowledge of State laws pertaining to civil and criminal procedures. Knowledge of two way radio communications systems, computer-aided dispatch system, and dispatch policies and procedures Knowledge of the organization of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Knowledge of first aide and basic emergency medical dispatch procedures. Knowledge of procedures for entering and retrieving information from the IOWA System, National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Systems, and the National Law Enforcement Teletype System (NLETS). Knowledge of laws and requirements on working with confidential information and ability to maintain confidentiality of information.

Ability to verbally communicate accurate information distinctly, accurately, and concisely in a non-emotional manner. Ability to effectively listen and elicit appropriate information. Ability to operate a two way radio.

Ability to operate a personal computer utilizing a windows software environment. Ability to process electronic mail and utilize word processing software. Ability to operate a tele-communications system for the deaf.

Ability to reason logically, react calmly and quickly, and maintain composure under stress. Ability to keep accurate records and to make verbal and written reports. Ability to work in close proximity with co-workers.

Ability to sit for extended periods of time. Skill in dealing with people and situations in a professional and tactful manner. Ability to follow standard operating procedures of the Polk County Sheriff's Office.

Ability to operate common office equipment such as a facsimile machine, copy machine, time clock, and shredder. Demonstrated ability to perform accurate and efficient data entry. Ability to hear a conversational voice.

Ability to read fine print on documents and computerized screens. Ability to establish and maintain effective, professional relationships with people from all sectors including other staff, law enforcement personnel, medical personnel, and the general public. Training and Experience Graduation from high school or equivalent education, and Six months experience operating radio communication equipment, or Any equivalent combination of training and experience that will have provided the required knowledge, skills, and abilities.

Special Requirements: Candidate must pass a written examination and data entry test. Iowa On Line Warrants and Articles and National Crime Information Center certification is required within six months of hire. Completion of Communications Field Training required within six months of hire.

Completion of forty hour BASIC Telecommunications program through the IOWA Law Enforcement Academy within one (1) year of appointment is required. Completion of Emergency Medical Dispatching certification within one (1) year of appointment is required. Candidate must have corrected or uncorrected vision of not less than 20/20 in both eyes and pass the Ishihara Test for Color Deficiency.

Candidate must have normal hearing in both ears with or without use of hearing aids. A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment. A criminal background check is required.

Advanced annual entry salary of up to 12% for prior experience.