Police Cadet

Police Cadet

Salary

$23.33 - $27.63 Hourly

Location

Des Moines, IA

Job Type

Regular Full-Time

Job Number

9703-06-2026

Department

Police

Opening Date

06/10/2026

Closing Date

7/6/2026 4:00 PM Central

FLSA

Non-Exempt

Bargaining Unit

MEA

Occupational Group

Non-Civil Service

Location of Vacancy

Des Moines

Recruitment

Entrance

Selection Method

All candidates meeting the minimum requirements will be invited to participate in the POST written examination which is anticipated to be held August 10, 2026. A background investigation will be completed on the applicants with the top scores on the POST written exam. Applicants who receive the highest scores on the POST written exam and pass the background investigation will be scheduled for an interview. Any appointments will be conditional upon a successful polygraph and medical examination and drug screen.

• Description
• Benefits
• Questions

Distinguishing Features of the Class

The Police Cadet is a non-sworn position that serves as a support role to the basic operations of the police department. The job duties will familiarize the Police Cadet with the general field of law enforcement and may include directing traffic, parking enforcement, report writing and administrative duties, as well as support for the departments community policing efforts.

Under immediate supervision, assist with a variety of line and staff functions in a para-professional capacity while in an on-the-job training situation.

Police Cadet is intended to be a career development opportunity for qualified applicants seeking a law enforcement career. You must be selected as a Des Moines Police Officer in one of the first two recruitments following your eligibility to apply for Police Officer after your appointment to Police Cadet. If you fail any phase of the second recruitment which includes not being hired as a Police Officer, you will be terminated from the position of Police Cadet no later than two weeks following disqualification from the process.

SPECIAL NOTE: This recruitment requires the review and completion of the 2026 Police Cadet Recruitment Packet.

YOUR APPLICATION MUST BE SUBMITTED ONLINE BY 4:00 PM (CST), MONDAY, JULY 6, 2026. ALL ITEMS LISTED BELOW MUST BE ATTACHED TO YOUR ONLINE APPLICATION OR SUBMITTED SEPARATELY TO AND RECEIVED BY HUMAN RESOURCES NO LATER THAN MONDAY, JULY 13, 2026, AT 4:00 PM (CST).

1. Photocopy of drivers license

2. High school diploma (or other proof of high school graduation) or G.E.D.

3. Authority for Release of Information (Must be notarized)

4. College transcripts, if any

5. DD214 Form for military service, if applicable

All of the above documents must be legible.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTATION MAY BE HAND DELIVERED, MAILED, EMAILED, OR FAXED TO HUMAN RESOURCES.

City of Des Moines

Attn: Human Resources Dept.

1200 Locust St.

Des Moines, IA 50309

EMAIL TO: humanresources@dmgov.org

FAX TO: (515) 237-1680

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Graduation from high school or GED.

Required Special Qualifications

• Age 18 by the application deadline.
• Possession of a valid motor vehicle operators license issued by the State of Iowa or another state with the ability to obtain an Iowa operator's license.
• Police Cadet is intended to be a career development opportunity for qualified applicants seeking a law enforcement career. You must be selected as a Des Moines Police Officer in one of the first two recruitments following your eligibility to apply for Police Officer after your appointment to Police Cadet. If you fail any phase of the second recruitment which includes not being hired as a Police Officer, you will be terminated from the position of Police Cadet no later than two weeks following disqualification from the process.

Police Cadets are required to take and pass the Police Officer Selection Test (POST) as part of the application process. The POST exam is scheduled for August 10, 2026, at 1:00 PM. Invitations will be emailed to eligible candidates which will include the testing location at a later date.

APPLICANT TESTING RESOURCE FOR POST WRITTEN EXAM: POST Study Guide (written exam)

Examples of Essential Work (Illustrative Only)

• Assists in office functions such as typing and maintaining files.
• Assists in receiving, storing and cataloging lost and stolen property.
• Takes police reports from the public both by telephone and in person in accordance with departmental policies.
• Provides relief in the communication center by answering the telephones and taking complaints from the public.
• Performs duties related to the promotion of the departments community relations, conducting station tours, representing the department at meetings, and speaking to organizations on the subject of community relations.
• Assists in the field with traffic control and answering calls for service which do not require the presence of a sworn police officer.
• Does related work as required.

Click here for Benefit Summary

01

Are you or will you be at least 18 years of age on or before Monday, July 6, 2026.

• Yes
• No

02

Have you or will you have graduated from high school or earned your G.E.D. on or before Monday, July 6 2026?

• Yes
• No

03

Do you possess a valid motor vehicle operators license?

• Yes
• No

04

I understand that to apply for the Police Cadet position I am required to print and complete the 2026 Police Cadet Recruitment Packet found in the job announcement and that all required supplemental documentation is due by Monday, July 13, 2026, at 4:00 PM.

• Yes
• No

Required Question

Employer City of Des Moines

Address 1200 Locust St.

Des Moines, Iowa, 50309

Phone (515) 283-4213

Website http://www.dsm.city