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Police Department - Regional Police Academy

The Des Moines Police Academy is the heart of the Department's Personnel & Training Section. Personnel issues rank high among duties for this section. The staff is continually involved in hiring processes for Sworn and Non-sworn positions within the Department. We work closely with the Civil Service Commission and the City of Des Moines Human Resources Department to identify the best qualified applicants. The personnel staff is responsible for recruiting, testing, evaluating, and hiring new employees. Additional responsibilities include maintaining medical and training records for each employee.

• Recruiting - Members of the Personnel staff are responsible for recruiting. The staff works closely with the City's Human Resources Department to attend job fairs, organize recruiting forums, and actively recruit minority applicants.
• Police Officer - The City of Des Moines anticipates starting a basic recruit class on the third Monday of July each year, depending on staffing needs.
• Application deadlines will vary from year to year, and generally start in the fall. Contact the Des Moines Regional Police Academy at (515) 323-8350 for more information or check on the City of Des Moines Web site for current jobs.
• Testing - The staff assists the Human Resources Department with conducting Cooper and Post Test, for potential recruits
• Cooper Test - The state mandated physical fitness test, and measures recruits fitness level
• Post Test - A general knowledge test administered by the Human Resources Department
• Evaluating - We compile test results and coordinate further evaluations including a background check, polygraph and Physical Exam
• Background Check - An extensive look into work history, references, driving record, criminal history, and other areas
• Polygraph - Performed by trained department personnel looking into truthfulness of information given and background of applicant
• Physical Exam - Thorough exam based upon guidelines established by the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa
• Hiring - Coordinate the hiring process for Sworn and Non-sworn personnel throughout the Department
• Work with Human Resources Department to identify anticipated number of un-filled positions
• Assist the Civil Service Commission with interviews
• Assist Chief's Staff with interviews

The Des Moines Police Department Academy is recognized by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy as a Regional Training Facility. As such, the Des Moines Regional Academy is charged with the responsibility of providing a variety of levels of training to area law enforcement. The Des Moines Regional Academy oversees the training for both the Des Moines Police Department and the Polk County Sheriff's Office. A task that includes approximately 800 total employees.

• Some of the training opportunities offered by the Des Moines Regional Police Academy:

• Law Enforcement Basic Training
• Basic Jail Schools
• Advanced Training

In cooperation with the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, the Des Moines Regional Academy hosts a variety of specialty classes for area law enforcement.

The Polk County and Des Moines Police Department offer the use of their range facilities to all local, state and federal law enforcement for their training needs.

For information on the Department's Citizen Academy click on the following: Des Moines Police Department's Citizen Academy

• For additional information email us at:
• General Information - Personnel Unit - Training Unit

This page was last updated: December 14, 2007