Selection

Iowa Department of Public Safety Plans, Research & Training Bureau

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Physical Assessment

Physical Fitness

Selection Process

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Training & Recruitment Bureau
215 East 7th Street
Des Moines, Iowa 50319

The selection process for the Iowa Department of Public Safety requires successfully completing all ten phases below. Failing any step will result in elimination from the process. Applicants are encouraged to produce the best test scores during each of the test phases so it allows the greatest opportunity for a Conditional Offer and Final Offer of Employment.

1. Minimum Qualifications Screening:

Applicants are required to determine from the list of minimum hiring qualifications whether or not they believe they are suitable for hire as a peace officer with the Department of Public Safety. Computerized record files (drivers license and criminal history) will be searched on each applicant prior to testing. All applicants meeting the minimum qualifications screening will be invited to complete the physical fitness assessment.

2. Physical Fitness Assessment:

The physical fitness assessment consists of sit-ups, push-ups, a stretch & reach test (flexibility), and a 1.5 mile run. Time and repetitions vary depending on the age and sex of the applicant. Applicants must score a minimum of 1 point in each of the four exercises. Applicants passing the physical fitness assessment will be permitted to advance to the written exam. The fitness standards can be found by visiting this link: http:www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/prtb/physical_assessment.shtml

3. Written Exam (POST):

Each applicant must pass the Police Officer Selection Test (POST). The POST is a timed aptitude test divided into four sections. The specific sections are: basic arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar/spelling/punctuation, and writing skills. Applicants cannot score less than 70% on any of the four sections of the test and the overall average must be 80% or greater. There is no study guide provided to applicants for this test.

After successfully completing the physical fitness assessment and written exam, applicants will be provided with a total score. The total score is based upon the physical fitness assessment total points, written test average and veteran's points if applicable. Applicants are required to have a minimum of 85 total points to advance to the oral board interview.

Example: Applicant J. Smith
Physical Fitness Assessment = 6 points
Written Exam Average 85% = 85 points
Veteran's Points = 5 points
Total Points = 96 points

Applicant J. Smith advances to Oral Board Interview.

Example: Applicant J. Doe
Physical Fitness Assessment = 4 points
Written Exam Average 80% = 80 points
Veteran's Points = 0 points
Total Points = 84 points

Applicant J. Doe does not advance to Oral Board Interview.

Veteran's points are awarded in accordance with Iowa law. Five points will be awarded to applicants for active service during specific dates set forth in the Code of Iowa. Ten points will be awarded to applicants with a service related disability which occurred during the same dates set forth in the guidelines. For additional information about veteran's points, please click here.

The Department of Public Safety's 20 week basic training academy is approved by the State of Iowa for G.I. Bill benefits under the on-the-job-training program. This benefit is extended to National Guard members and Reservists also. For additional information, please contact the Veteran's Affairs Office at one of the following numbers: 1-800-838-4692 or (515) 242-5331.

4. Oral Board Interview:

Each applicant advancing to the oral board interview phase will be interviewed and evaluated by three peace officers from the Department. The average of the combined scores becomes the applicant's final interview score.

Conditional Offer of Employment

After careful review and consideration of applicant materials, test scores, oral board interviews, etc., selected applicants are give a "Conditional Offer of Employment." These applicants are invited to continue in the selection process and complete the remaining test phases.

5. Polygraph Evaluation:

During the polygraph evaulation information on all applicant materials and oral board responses will be verified. Emphasis is place on illegal drug use/abuse, detected and undetected criminal conduct, and misrepresentation of information given during the previous test phases.

6. Psychological Evaluation:

Applicants are required to complete the MMPI (Minnesota Multi-Phasic Personality Inventory). The MMPI consists of 567 true/false questions. Applicants are scheduled with the Department's psychologist where the MMPI is scored and evaluated. The psychologist will make a hiring recommendation based on the results of the MMPI and the interview.

7. Medical Examination:

A medical examination is scheduled with one of the Department's medical doctors. The doctor will determine if the applicant is physically able to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.

8. Background Investigation:

Once an applicant has passed the above mentioned test phases, a careful review of applicant materials, test results, oral board interview, etc., is done by the division of choice. Selected applicants will advance to the Background Investigation phase. During the Background, an applicant's references, employers, schools, co-workers, and other sources are contacted and interviewed.

9. Final Offers:

Final Offers of employment are extended to applicants at the conclusion of the selection process. The Division Directors make the final selections based on qualifications and merit, as well as availability of positions.

10. DPS Basic Training Academy:

The DPS Basic Training Academy is conducted at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa and runs Monday through Friday. Applicants are dismissed over the weekends. Visit our web site for additional information about our training academy: http://www.dps.state.ia.us/commis/prtb/academy.shtml

TESTING PROCESS:

The Department makes every effort to accomodate each applicant's personal schedule when scheduling the various test phases. Notification regarding the various test days will be announced shortly after the selection process begins. Applicants will have to complete approximately five days of testing:

Day One - Physical Assessment
Day Two - Written Exam
Day Three - Oral Board Interview
Day Four - Polygraph Evaluation
Day Five - Psychological and Medical Examination

Applicants are responsible for all personal costs, e.g., transportation, lodging, meals, etc., incurred while participating in the selection process.

Main Phone Number: (515) 725-6275

Applicant Phone Number: (515) 725-6278
Toll Free Applicant Phone Line: (866) 895-2457
Fax: (515) 725-6274

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Created: 02-07-2006 Last Updated: 08-05-2008 (JLR)