56th Iowa DPS Basic & Certified Combined Academy

Job Description

Job Description:

Seize this extraordinary opportunity to join the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) as an Academy Peace Officer Candidate. Upon graduation from the DPS Academy, you will earn the prestigious title of Trooper 1 or Trooper 2 and make a meaningful impact serving the State of Iowa! Applications for the 55th Basic Academy are open now through February 15th, 2026. Elevate your career and become a vital force in Iowa’s law enforcement community! 

TROOPER 1

TROOPER 2

About Us:

The Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS) serves the people of Iowa with integrity, professionalism, and leadership, upholding core values of courtesy, service, and protection. DPS provides a unique opportunity to launch a rewarding career in statewide law enforcement, offering advanced training, growth opportunities, and a competitive salary and benefits package. Whether on the front lines as a Trooper or investigating complex cases as a Special Agent, you’ll have a crucial role impacting the lives of Iowans every day. 

The DPS Academy hiring process will include the following: 

• Physical Fitness Testing (1.5-mile run, sit-ups, push-ups)
• Written Test (arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar, incident report writing) - not required for currently certified Iowa peace officers
• Oral Board (interview)
• Completion of a Polygraph
• Psychological and Medical Evaluations
• Extensive Background Investigation

The work examples and competencies listed below are for illustrative purposes only and not intended to be the primary basis for position classification decisions.

Work Examples

• Collects and retains contraband and evidence by seizing illegal items and items of evidence in criminal and civil cases, documenting charges filed by following search and seizure procedures, returning materials to the owner or proper authority, or destroying when required.
• Protects and secures accident, disaster, and crime scenes to preserve evidence, and protects people and property by using techniques including additional manpower, sealing off the area, barricades, locking and guarding establishments, properly placing patrol car, red lights, and flags, and re-routing traffic; administers medical aid to preserve life, alleviate suffering, minimize injuries, prevent shock, and prepare for transportation to medical facility.
• Obtains and serves arrest warrants and takes individuals into custody as required by court and/or Iowa Code; conducts interviews and interrogations to obtain evidence, confessions, and admissions of criminal acts, and determines cause and contributing factors; advises the Miranda warning when applicable, questions and observes suspects, drivers, occupants, and witnesses; records information obtained.
• Notifies next of kin and attempts to locate people to provide notification of death, serious injury, or illness; gives emotional and physical support through personal or telephone contact, by using friends, relatives, or clergy and applying human relations skills.
• Maintains good public relations, and disseminates information to educate the public and law enforcement on safety, accident prevention, and motor vehicle law by conducting seminars, giving lectures, guiding group discussions, and conducting on-the-job training.
• Enforces motor vehicle laws to promote safety and reduce accidents, expedite traffic flow; enforce state statutes; regulates traffic and parking by using citations, warnings, and verbal direction; assists motorists with vehicle problems; determines severity and location of accidents by evaluating information and observing accident scene; visually inspects all types of vehicles to determine equipment safety, proper registration, licenses, permits, and driver conditions.
• Prepares and testifies in court to present facts surrounding civil, criminal, or departmental actions.
• Responds to and controls civil disorders, disturbances, and riots, restores order, and protects property and personal safety in accordance with established patrol procedures; provides security and crowd control while maintaining self-discipline and objectivity under stressful situations.
• Provides around-the-clock service to the public and other law enforcement agencies.
• Cares for and takes custody of emotionally disturbed people to protect them from self-harm, or damage to others or property.

• Completes required written and investigative reports to comply with departmental rules, division regulations, and procedures, to establish permanent records for statistical and factual reporting, and evaluation of trooper performance.

   

Trooper 1 Positions

In addition to the work examples above, Trooper 1 positions will also include the following:

• Reviews security and surveillance reports and determines need for dissemination to internal and external personnel.
• Assists governor’s security detail with protection and transportation of the governor, lieutenant governor, and the first lady when necessary; provides security for dignitaries and/or government officials; provides around-the-clock service on and around the Capitol Complex and Terrace Hill. Receives preliminary investigative reports of criminal activity on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill from state patrol officers. Serves as lead investigator for extortion threats, bomb threats, thefts, assaults, and other criminal activity occurring on the Capitol Complex and/or Terrace Hill. Contacts the Division of Criminal Investigation for assistance when investigating serious criminal activity.
• Serves as lead worker as necessary to assist supervisory personnel.
• Assists Iowa State Patrol Post 1 with patrol duties when assigned by supervisory personnel and as staffing permits.
• Patrols assigned areas for criminal activity, security, fires, and safety hazards on foot and by vehicle.
• Escorts people carrying funds for government agencies. Assists in building evacuations and other safety precautions including tornado warnings and disaster drills.

• Assists supervisors to develop and implement emergency preparedness and response plans and ensure training requirements of Capitol Complex officers are maintained

   

Competencies Required

Knowledge

• Public Safety and Security – Relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
• Customer Service – Principles and processes for providing customer services, including customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluating customer satisfaction.

Abilities

• Problem Sensitivity – Tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning – Apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Inductive Reasoning – Combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
• Oral Comprehension – Listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression – Communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Skills

• Active Listening – Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
• Monitoring – Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
• Speaking – Talking to others to convey information effectively.
• Coordination – Adjusting actions in relation to others’ actions.
• Social Perceptiveness – Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

• Critical Thinking – Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

   

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Applicants must meet all the following minimum requirements to qualify for positions in this job classification:

1. At least 18 years of age for Trooper 1 positions and 22 years of age for Trooper 2 positions. Applicants must meet this minimum age on or before their academy graduation date.

    

Notes

Some positions in this class may require work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.

Company Description

The Iowa Department of Public Safety is under the leadership of the Commissioner, who is appointed by the Governor of the State of Iowa. 

The Office of the Commissioner houses the Commissioner, Executive Officer to the Commissioner, Executive Secretary, Legislative Liaison, Legal Counsel, and Public Information/Communications Staff. 

DPS is made up of seven divisions: Administrative Services Division, Division of Criminal Investigation, Division of Intelligence and Fusion Center, Division of Narcotics, Iowa State Patrol Division, Professional Development and Support Services, and State Fire Marshal Division.

DPS is also home to the Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau, Governor's School Safety Bureau, Office of Drug Control Policy, Professional Standards Bureau, and Interoperability Communications Bureau. 

• DCI: Cyber Crime Bureau, Field Operations Bureau, which includes the Major Crime Unit (MCU), and the Missing Person Information Clearinghouse (MPIC). Special Enforcement Operations Bureau.
• DOI: Intelligence Operations Bureau, the Homeland Security and Analysis Bureau and the Iowa Office To Combat Human Trafficking.
• SFM: Arson and Explosives Bureau, and the Fire Service Training Bureau. 

Benefits

The State of Iowa’s commitment to its employees is demonstrated by the total compensation package provided by the State. In addition to the direct compensation received as a State of Iowa employee, a significant amount is spent on the benefit plans available to employees and their families. Click here to review in detail.