Police Department

Our Motto

Service built on integrity leads our community-oriented policing missions. Building partnerships with the community fortifies our accountability and strengthens our effectiveness. We utilize partnerships, problem solving and prevention models to create safe environments. So take a look at our website and find a way to become involved with our department.

Letter from the Chief of Police

On behalf of the employees of the Urbandale Police Department and the City of Urbandale, welcome to our website. The site will provide you with information about our department and our efforts to enhance public safety and maintain the quality of life for our community. Our dedicated staff of sworn and civilian employees strive to meet our core value of "Service built on Integrity."

We are proud to be a CALEA (Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies) accredited agency ensuring our personnel adhere to the best practices in law enforcement. We are a responsive community oriented police department where safety, community relations, and customer service are top priorities.

Please explore the site and learn how we stand ready to serve our community.

Respectfully,
Rob Johansen
Chief of Police

Chief of Police

Chief Rob Johansen started his law enforcement career in 1992 attending the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy while working for the Carroll Police Department. In 1993, Chief Johansen joined the Urbandale Police Department and has served as a patrol officer, detective, sergeant and captain.

Chief Johansen has supervised in the Patrol Division, Staff Services Division and with the Mid Iowa Narcotics Enforcement Task Force for several years. He has also served on the SWAT Emergency Response Team as an operator and as a sniper / marksman. He is a recipient of the department’s Medal of Valor.

Chief Johansen holds a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Nebraska at Omaha in Criminal Justice and a Master of Public Administration degree from Iowa State University. He is also a graduate of the 241st FBI National Academy.

Department Structure

The Urbandale Police Department is currently staffed by 57 sworn officers, 9 civilian staff and is made up of three divisions including Patrol, Criminal Investigations and Support Services.  View our 2022 Annual Report and the department’s Operations Manual.

CALEA

Social Networking

Follow the Urbandale Police Department on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Questions & Comments

Please contact us with specific comments, questions and most importantly, suggestions for building community partnerships at 515-278-3938 or email.  Call 911 if you are experiencing an emergency.