Career

The Urbandale Police Department offers applicants an opportunity for a rewarding career in Patrol Division, Investigation Division and Staff/Support Services Division. New officers will find  competitive wages and benefits, along with up to date equipment. Once hired the new officer recruit will train with sworn UPD officers for a period of time prior to receiving certification at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

New officers will have opportunities to work one of three patrol shifts. Beginning in July, the Patrol Division will be adjusting to 9 hour day shift schedule.

The Urbandale Police Department has a variety of positions in the Investigation Division. Assignments for Property Detective, Persons Detective, General Detective, Fraud and Financial Crimes, School Resource Officer, Identification Technician and assignments with the M.I.N.E. and D.E.A. Task Forces, are all opportunities for officers to gain expertise and experience in.

The Urbandale Police Department has assignments in the Staff Services Division. The Community Relations Officer position, General Support Officer position both offer exposure to many different areas of law enforcement and community outreach opportunities.

The Urbandale Police Department has supplemental assignments as bike patrol officers, motorcycle patrol officers, K-9 Officer, S.E.R.T Team (SWAT) operator and Sniper, D.A.R.E Officer, as well as several instructor positions within the department.

For more information on becoming a police officer with the City of Urbandale, contact Lt Terry Nielsen at 515-331-6805 or email.

To check availability of Police Officer positions with the City of Urbandale click here.

To download an application for police officer go to the Applications page of this website. 

Learn about being a Police Officer.

Application Process: 

1. Successfully pass the physical agility test developed by the Iowa Law
   Enforcement Academy. 
2. Successfully pass pre-employment written exam. {I.L.E.A. Post –test}
3. Background Check: Credit, Driving Record, Arrest Record, Fingerprint Search, contact with relatives, Neighbors, References and Past Employers. 
4. Successfully pass a Polygraph Examination. 
5. Oral Interview with Civil Service Commission. 
6. Civil Service Certified List Established. 
7. Oral Interview with designated Police board.
8. Conditional Offer from the Chief of Police. 
   Successfully pass a Physical Examination {including Drug Screening}. 
9. Successfully pass a Psychological Examination prior to appointment. {MMPI}