Job Description
City of Iowa City
Police Officer Recruitment
www.icgov.org/ joinICPD
Questions about careers with ICPD? Email us at policerecruitment@iowa- city.org
Applications accepted on an ongoing basis
Job Summary
A Police Officer patrols by car and on foot to prevent crime and enforce laws; conducts investigationsand
writes reports; interrogates witnesses, investigates accidents and obtains and records measurements. Requires
the ability to work with a diverse community and build relationships with the communities served;
problem solve with the utmost respect for human rights and dignity; express oneself clearly and concisely
both orally and in writing; observe facts and situations analytically, objectivelyandaccurately; record the
same under rapidly changing and stressful situations and render creditable testimony; use good judgment
in evaluating situations and make decisions quickly and under pressure; diffuse difficult and dangerous situations.
This document provides an overview of the City of Iowa Citys application and Civil Service testing process for
the position of Police Officer. Additional information and updates are available at the Police recruitment
website listed above.
Job Qualifications
1. Must be eligible to carry a firearm under all state and federal laws.
2. Must be a U.S. citizen and resident of the State of Iowa. Residency restrictions do not apply to applicants.
3. Must be at least 18 years of age and must possess a high school diploma or equivalent.
4. Must possess a valid Iowa driver s license at appointment and maintain such license.
5. Must have an acceptable driving record as determined by the City.
6. Vision of 20/ 20 in each eye or vision correctable to 20/ 20, with uncorrected vision of not less than
20/ 100 in each eye; peripheral vision to 120 degrees in the horizontal meridian in each eye; normal color
vision.
7. Hearing sensitivity threshold within 25db measured at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, 2000 Hz, and 3000 Hz averaged
together.
It is the policy of the City of Iowa City to afford equal employment opportunities for all employees and potential City employees.
Persons who are members of a protected class are encouraged to apply.
Salary and Benefits
Starting salary is $ 56, 908. 80 ( up to $ 89, 544. 00 for certified Officers, commensurate
with experience) annually
5000 hiring bonus for ILEA certified candidates
Paid vacation, sick leave and holidays
Paid family and parental leave
Life, health, dental, and vision insurance
Voluntary deferred compensation program with Roth IRA option
Section 125 plan for pretax insurance premiums, medical and dependent care spending accounts
Paid training time
Uniforms and equipment furnished
Job related disability coverage
Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa ( MFPRSI)
Residency Requirement
Must live within 17 miles of the corporate limits of Iowa City within one year of hire.
Process Overview
1. Online employment applications required Application deadlines will be posted at least 2 weeks prior to each
testing cycle.
2. POST and Physical Fitness Testing Candidates will be contacted by email to schedule required testing.
3. Oral Interviews
Candidates are also fingerprinted at this time
Candidates who are ILEA certified or with passing POST and PT scores
will be contacted to schedule an interview.
4. Civil Service Certification of Hiring list Upon completion of testing and interviews.
5. Background Investigation and Driving Record Review Will be completed for any candidates on certified list under consideration
for an offer of employment as vacancies occur.
6. Physical exam and MMPI Required upon acceptance of a contingent job offer.
7. Police Academy Required upon hire for all non- certified recruits with tuition and salary
paid by the City.
8. Probationary Period If ILEA certified, probationary period is nine months from date of hire,
otherwise, probationary period is nine months from graduation from
police academy.
See following pages for more detailed information.
Application and Testing Requirements
Application Process
Candidates must apply online. Find a link to our application at www.icgov.org/ joinICPD. A résumé will not substitute
for the required online application. For assistance locating a public computer in the Iowa City area, please contact Human
Resources.
An application deadline will be announced at least 2 weeks prior to each testing cycle. Candidates applying after the
deadline will be eligible to participate in the next testing cycle.
POST ( Police Officer Selection Test)
Candidates required to complete the POST test will be contacted to schedule the test.
The POST is required for all candidates who are not ILEA certified. Candidate must receive a score of 70% in each section
of the test to pass. Candidates with a passing score on file with Stanard & Associates, Inc. that is dated within one
year of anticipated certification of a hiring list or who are ILEA certified will be excused from having to retake thePOST.
Following submission of an application, a study guide will be provided to each candidate required to take the POST
limit one per year). Additionally, one online practice test opportunity will be provided upon candidate request at City
expense to candidates who will be required to take the POST. Contact Human Resources at 319- 356-5020.
Physical Fitness Test
Candidates required to complete the PT will be contacted to schedule the test.
The physical fitness test is required for all candidates who are not ILEA certified. Candidates who provide acceptable
documentation of having successfully completed the ILEA pre- employment physical test regimen administered by another
law enforcement agency within four months preceding the final test date for the current testing cycle will be
excused from having to retake the physical fitness test. Acceptable documentation must be provided on agency letterhead
with an original signature and include the date the test was administered, the specific performance result of each
of the three test events, and the name and title of the test proctor. ILEA certified candidates will be excused via notification
by Human Resources upon verification of their certification.
More information on the POST and on the physical fitness test including the required standards for each component of
the test and announcement of scheduled PT practice sessions is available atwww.icgov.org/ joinICPD.