Frequently Asked Questions

1. Question: Can the Montgomery GI Bill be used while attending the basic training academy and field training or any other time?
   Answer: Yes, The academy staff will assist you in completing the necessary form to qualify for the Montgomery GI Bill during both the basic training academy and your field probationary training. Once you complete the basic academy, your field training and probationary training is one-year.
   
   
2. Question: Do I have to provide or purchase my own equipment?
   Answer: No, the department provides all police related equipment for sworn officers.
   
   
3. Question: Can I choose the location of where I work in the state?
   Answer: Yes and no. Initially, you will be asked to provide your preference of the available positions at the time you are offered a sworn position with the department. The department takes this interest and attempts to accommodate the requests when determining initial assignments. However, the department must reserve the right to assign personnel to ensure the success of our mission. Once you serve a year in your first assignment, you are eligible to request a lateral transfer pending openings. Lateral transfers are awarded based upon seniority.
   
   
4. Question: How is the division I work for determined?
   Answer: During the application process, you will be asked to designate your preference of job classifications. Based upon your choice, you application materials are delivered to the Division Directors. In the event a Division is not hiring or elects not to continue considering you for employment, your application materials are then forwarded to your next choice.
   
   
5. Question: Can I transfer positions within my division?
   Answer:Yes, once you serve a year in your first assignment, you are eligible to transfer to other assignments within your job classification. Transfers are awarded based upon seniority.
   
   
6. Question: Can I apply and work for the Iowa Department of Public Safety if I am a single parent?
   Answer: Yes, absolutely! Many of the sworn job classifications are based upon long term schedules. While these schedules are subject to change, they do afford our officers with the ability to plan personal schedules extremely effectively. During the basic training academy (20 weeks) and the field training period (three months) officers will have very difficult schedules. Once an officer completes these objectives, they will be placed into longer term schedules.
   
   
7. Question: How often is the fitness test required?
   Answer: The fitness test is required once during the application process and again on the first day of employment pursuant to the requirements of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Officers are also required to meet a fitness standard prior to graduation from the academy. This is also a requirement of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. After graduation from the academy, officers are required to participate and complete an annual fitness test. However, they are not required to meet a standard. Instead, officers meeting established standards are awarded a personal leave day.
   
   
8. Question: Do you recommend I attend college before applying?
   Answer: Furthering your education is always a fantastic idea. However, please review the individual job classifications concerning required education. Many of our officers elect to complete their degree after becoming a sworn member of the department. Bottom line - this is a personal decision.
   
   
9. Question: What specific degrees are required to work for the Iowa Department of Public Safety?
   Answer: Specific degrees are not required to become a sworn member of the department. However, Criminal Justice is one of the most common degrees within the department. We also have numerous officers with degrees in Business, Education, and Accounting.
   
   
10. Question: How am I able to work in one of the specialty units (i.e., air wing, K-9, SEO, etc.)?
    Answer: Once you complete your probationary period as a sworn officer, you will be eligible to indicate interest in specialty units. The selection of these positions is based upon your job performance, education, experience and seniority.
    
    
11. Question: How will my military training help me?
    Answer: Military training is a tremendous asset to peace officers. Although specific military occupational skills vary the core values and beliefs you have developed in the military is what counts. Principles such as leadership, selfless service, individual responsibility and accountability, integrity, and loyalty are just a few of the many character traits developed by the military that will greatly assist you. Your training and abilities to function independently or as part of a team in an environment with a clear chain of command and structure are essential elements both in the military and in law enforcement. Additionally, your successful completion of basic combat training and familiarization with weapons will assist your successful graduation from the basic academy.
    
    
12. Question: Are women and minorities in any leadership positions?
    Answer: Yes, several command level leaders are female and minority officers.
    
    
13. Question: How often are pay raises awarded?
    Answer: Annually
    
    
14. Question: What kinds of shifts will I have to work (how many hours per week)?
    Answer: Each job classification has somewhat different responsibilities. These differences require different scheduling and hours of work. Troopers work a rotating schedule of 5 days on, 3 days off, 5 days on - 3 days off, 6 days on - 2 days off, 6 days on - 2 days off - all shifts are 8.5 hours. Gaming Enforcement Officers typically work 10 hour shifts and are scheduled monthly. Fire Inspectors typically work a 40-hour work week, Monday-Friday. Special Agents typically work 40 hours each week and are assigned generally Monday-Friday unless they are actively working an investigation.
    
    
15. Question: Do I have to attend the basic academy if I am already ILEA certified?
    Answer: Yes, the department requires all newly hired officers to complete the basic training academy.

If you have questions, please contact the Iowa Department of Public Safety Recruiting Coordinator at (515) 725-6281 or (866) 895-2457 or e-mail at dpsrecruiter@dps.state.ia.us