Police Officer
Merit
- Eligible to enroll in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and eligible to complete Board of Regents Field Training, OR
- Possession of certification from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy as a Law Enforcement Officer and eligible to complete Board of Regents Field Training, OR
- Possession of law enforcement certification in another state and successful completion of all application and examination requirements as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code 501-3.8(80B) and eligible to complete Board of Regents Field Training
The Department of Public Safety at Iowa State University is seeking candidates for Non-certified and Certified officers to join our team.
This is a 24 hour operation, 365 days a year. Officers will be expected to work holidays that fall within their regular work schedule as well as during home football games and other major events that occur on campus. Expected to report for duty when major natural disasters or other emergency situation affecting the campus occur.
Permanent, 12 Months, Full Time, 40 hours/week, Rotating Schedule, Shift assignment to be determined after completion of training program. During training will rotate through all shifts. Days off are also on a rotating schedule.
In accordance with the general requirements for law enforcement officers under Iowa Admin. Code 501-2.1, the applicant selected for this position, both uncertified and certified, must be a U.S. citizen.
Must have and maintain a valid U.S. state driver’s license and the ability to be authorized to drive University vehicles.
Non-Certified:
This is an entry level police officer position. The officer will attend and must successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Basic Level I or Level II Academy to become certified as a peace officer in the state of Iowa. Upon successful completion of the academy, the officer will return to the ISU campus and be placed under the direct supervision of a police training officer. During this period, the officer will perform all the duties of a law enforcement officer, including patrolling the university campus and outlying areas; enforcing local, state, and federal laws as well as campus rules and regulations; responding to calls for service; initiating police reports; performing follow-up investigations as needed; directing traffic, and other duties as assigned.
During basic training, will attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy M-F. During field training, will rotate through all shifts with varying hours and days off. Actual shift assignment will follow completion of all required training.
All qualified applicants will be invited to take a written test and physical test the week of September 21st, 2026 . More details about the testing and testing dates will be provided later.
Non-certified applications will be accepted through September 10th, 2026 to allow for testing to take place on the above date.
Applicants successfully hired who are non-certified will be eligible for recruitment incentive payments* in the total amount of $3,500.
*Full details and terms of payment will be provided in payment agreements for those successfully hired.
Certified:
The officer is placed under the direct supervision of a police training officer. During this period, the officer will perform all the duties of a law enforcement officer including patrolling the university campus and outlying areas; enforcing local, state, and federal laws as well as campus rules and regulations; responding to calls for service; initiating police reports, performing follow-up investigations as needed; directing traffic, and other duties as assigned.
Out of state certified applicants will be required to pass a physical test and written test to be considered for the position. Qualified in-state candidates will be individually scheduled for interviews.
Applicants successfully hired who are certified law enforcement officers will be eligible for recruitment incentive payments* in the total amount of $10,000.
*Full details and terms of payment will be provided in payment agreements for those successfully hired.
The department is accepting applications until the positions are filled, and the vacancies may close without notice.
Iowa State University Police Department employees will support the Department’s vision and mission by operating in a fair, unbiased manner, which respects the rights and dignity of all individuals. Department employees’ everyday actions are guided by the Department’s values of Respect, Integrity, Caring, Honor, Excellence and Service (RICHES) and be grounded in the highest ethical and professional standards. Department employees are expected to work in partnership with the campus and area communities to provide leadership in solving community problems, preventing crime and providing a safe environment to fulfill the mission of the University. Employees will strive for excellence in fulfilling the Department’s Mission and Vision Statements, values and goals.
In addition to Iowa State University's standard background check, candidates are required to successfully complete additional background checks, thorough reference checks, and pre-employment health evaluation(s) in accordance with the Department of Public Safety's hiring practices.
Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities
- Patrols assigned zone by motor vehicle, bicycle, or on foot to prevent, discover, and deter the commission of crime; to enforce criminal and traffic laws and university rules and regulations; and to check the security of buildings, functioning of outdoor lighting and traffic signals, and road conditions. Monitors and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic as required.
- Responds to radio dispatched calls for a variety of services including investigation of alarms, animal control, assistance to motorists, building maintenance problems, domestic problems, thefts, and other acts against persons or property.
- Investigates, reports, and records traffic violations and accidents by interviewing witnesses, measuring distances, sketching diagrams, taking photographs, and conducting field sobriety tests to determine cause and fault.
- Investigates harm, damage or threats of potential harm or damage to persons or property by interviewing witnesses and conducting visual or audio surveillance or searches; detects and collects evidence; travels to other jurisdictions to investigate crimes that occurred on university property as necessary.
- Arrests violators or suspects by using minimum force. Processes arrested persons by taking photographs, obtaining fingerprints, and writing arrest reports; transports violators to jail.
- Determines appropriate action to be taken by weighing evidence and applying knowledge of law to solve the problem and administer justice; prepares and processes documents such as citations, complaints, affidavits, and warrants.
- Records information at scene of crime or accident by sketching diagrams, taking photographs, or taking notes. Prepares reports for use by department, university or social service agency, in court testimony or for insurance claims.
- Testifies in court or by deposition to present information accumulated at scene and to give professional opinions for criminal justice and insurance purposes.
- Performs rescue functions at accidents, emergencies and disasters to include directing traffic for long periods of time, administering first responder level service at the medical model level; lifting, dragging, and carrying people away from dangerous situations; and securing buildings and evacuating occupants.
- Responds to fire and ambulance calls to direct traffic, escort fire and ambulance vehicles, and prevent crime.
- Inspects and maintains law enforcement equipment by observing and cleaning to keep the equipment in reliable operating condition.
- Transfers deposits between the university and banks by personal pick up and delivery to maintain security of funds.
- Determines content for various public safety programs such as crime prevention, personal safety, playground safety, bike safety, and provides delivery to the university or community.
- Assists other agencies in serving warrants by delivering and serving in person for timely disposition of cases, and any other assigned duties.
- Provides advice and general information to students, staff, and campus visitors.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Knowledge of state criminal and traffic code and city ordinances; and university and departmental policy and operating procedures.
- Knowledge of patrol, investigative, and arrest procedures.
- Knowledge of the location of buildings and facilities, including fire and environmental emergency panels of the university and city.
- Knowledge of location and services of various university departments and community agencies.
- Knowledge of legal documents and processing procedures.
- Skill in oral communications as demonstrated by effective ability to provide general information and directions, mediate disputes, interview witnesses and suspects, testify as a witness in court, and make program presentations.
- Skill in written communications to produce reports and documents in the English language with clearly organized thoughts using proper sentence structure, format, punctuation, and grammar.
- Skill in administering first aid and cardiopulmonary resuscitation.
- Skill in reconstructing accidents from interviews and physical evidence.
- Skill in operating vehicles both day and night in emergency situations involving speeds in excess of posted limits, in congested traffic, and in unsafe conditions due to such factors as fog, smoke, rain, ice, and snow.
- Skill in operating radios and other law enforcement equipment.
- Skill in analyzing situations and using judgment to make appropriate decisions.
- Ability to communicate effectively and coherently over law enforcement radio channels while initiating and responding to radio communications.
- Ability to patrol on foot or bicycle; remain in standing or sitting position for long periods of time; pursue fleeing suspects; and perform rescue operations which may involve entering and exiting vehicles quickly, lifting, carrying or dragging heavy objects, climbing over and pulling oneself over obstacles, jumping down from elevated surfaces, climbing through openings, jumping over obstacles, ditches and streams, crawling in confined areas, balancing on uneven or narrow surfaces, and using bodily force to gain entrance through barriers.
- Ability to use sufficient physical force in apprehension of law violators.
- Ability to work and remain calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to work outside in extreme weather conditions.
- Ability to hear and see acutely during day and night time conditions.
- Ability to enter and retrieve data from a computer terminal, personal computer, or other keyboard device.
Probationary Period:
To allow for the necessary time to complete the academy, on-campus training, and assessment as a certified police officer, the probationary period for a Police Officer will be 18 months. If a Police Officer has completed the academy prior to appointment, the probationary period will be 12 months.
Candidates must be legally authorized to work in the U.S. on an ongoing basis without sponsorship. Immigration sponsorship is not available for this position.
Application Instructions:
To apply for this position, please click on “Apply” and complete the Employment Application. Please be prepared to enter or attach the following:
Resume/Curriculum Vitae
Letter of Application/Cover Letter
Why Choose Iowa State University?
Iowa State Employees enjoy comprehensive health and work-life benefits, including medical and dental, as well as:
- Retirement benefits including defined benefit and defined contribution plans
- Generous vacation, holiday, and sick time and leave plans
- Onsite childcare (Ames, Iowa)
- Life insurance and long-term disability
- Flexible Spending Accounts
- Various voluntary benefits and discounts
- Employee Assistance Program
- Wellbeing program
If you have questions regarding this application process, please email [email protected], or call 515-294-4800 or Toll Free: 1-877-477-7485.
Regular
12 Month Work Period
Full time
DPS18
August 24, 2026
September 10, 2026
R19850
Iowa State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, ethnicity, religion, national origin, pregnancy, sexual orientation, genetic information, sex, marital status, disability, or status as a U.S. Veteran. Inquiries regarding non-discrimination policies may be directed to Office of Equal Opportunity, 2680 Beardshear Hall, 515 Morrill Road, Ames, Iowa 50011, Tel. 515-294-7612, email [email protected] .
General ISU compensation information can be found on the University Human Resources website. Please note that this is only a list of ranges and individuals will be paid commensurate with qualifications.
