How to become a police officer in Iowa
In Iowa, police officers are hired by city police departments and county sheriff's offices. The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) and Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council sets the statewide standards; the credential is Iowa law enforcement officer certification (ILEA). At the Des Moines Police Department, new hires start at $84,635 a year, rising to $104,062 after about 4 years. You must be at least 18.
Pay at the Des Moines Police Department
Each city and county sets its own pay. This is the official scale of the Des Moines Police Department, the largest city's agency.
| Starting salary | $84,635 |
|---|---|
| Top of scale | $104,062 |
| Years to top | 4 |
| Scale effective | 2026-06-22 |
Police Officer (salary range 22) under the Des Moines Police Bargaining Unit agreement (July 1, 2024 - June 30, 2027), Appendix B schedule for June 22, 2026 - June 20, 2027: step 1 $40.69/hr = $84,635, rising by half-year/annual steps to step 9 $50.03/hr = $104,062 at 4 years. The city's recruitment page states the same start and top ('increase over four years'). Certified laterals hire as Senior Police Officer starting at $100,838 (top $110,178). Shift differential $0.50/hr.
Source:[dsm.city]
Pay for this work across Iowa
Federal survey figures for police and sheriff's patrol officers in Iowa, counting every employer in the state, public and private, so they differ from any one agency's pay scale above.
| People in this work | 5,130 |
|---|---|
| Lower pay (10th percentile) | $59,360 |
| Median pay | $74,470 |
| Higher pay (90th percentile) | $101,520 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025, state estimates (all employers)[bls.gov]
Requirements
- Minimum age: 18
- Education: High school diploma or GED equivalency certificate
- Citizenship: U.S. citizen
- Resident of Iowa or intends to become one on employment (unless the city/county has an ordinance allowing out-of-state residence)
- Valid Iowa driver's or chauffeur's license
- Not addicted to drugs or alcohol
- Good moral character shown by a thorough background investigation with local, state and national fingerprint search; no felony or crime involving moral turpitude (including domestic-violence misdemeanors)
- Pass the physical test adopted by ILEA
- Not opposed by conscience or belief to the use of force when necessary
- Uncorrected vision not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, with adequate color vision; hearing standards
- Examined by a licensed physician, physician assistant or surgeon and meets physical requirements
- Not previously decertified in another jurisdiction
- Satisfactory scores on the required cognitive test (National Police Officer Selection Test) and psychological test (MMPI-2)
- Must be certified through ILEA-approved training within one year of employment (IAC 501-3.1)
Source:[legis.iowa.gov]
Hiring process
- Hire by an Iowa law enforcement agency (or agency sponsorship); ILEA has no general admission
- National Police Officer Selection Test (POST), minimum 70% on each section
- Physical fitness test
- Complete background check including fingerprints
- Minimum medical requirement form (vision, hearing, physician exam)
- MMPI-2 psychological test, evaluated by ILEA
- Agency submits Report of Hire at least 30 days before the academy
- Basic academy and certification within one year of hire
Source:[ilea.iowa.gov]
Entrance exam
National Police Officer Selection Test (POST) - Stanard & Associates. Statewide pre-employment cognitive test required of all entry-level law enforcement applicants in Iowa; minimum satisfactory score 70% on each of the four sections (agencies and civil service commissions may require more). Scores valid 12 months. The MMPI-2 psychological test is also required in the final selection process.[legis.iowa.gov]
Required training
620 hours minimum, 16 weeks. IAC 501-3.3: the level I academy is at least 620 hours to be completed within a 25-week period (a level II academy of at least 400 hours within 20 weeks is open to applicants with qualifying college criminal-justice coursework). ILEA's own Basic Academy is 639 hours over 16 weeks, Monday-Friday with weekends at home; recruits must pass the physical entrance test first.[legis.iowa.gov]
Pension and retirement
- Plan: Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI, Iowa Code chapter 411)
- Benefit formula: 66% of average final compensation (highest 3 years) at 22 years of service, plus 2% for each additional year, up to 82% at 30+ years; members contribute 9.675% of pay
- When you can retire: Age 55 with 22 or more years of service (Iowa Code 411.6); vested members who leave before 22 years receive 1/22 of the 22-year benefit per year of service at retirement age
MFPRSI covers police officers and firefighters of the 49 participating Chapter 411 cities (Des Moines among them). Formula from the MFPRSI service multiplier chart; eligibility from Iowa Code 411.6 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/code/411.6.pdf).
Source:[mfprsi.org]