Police Officer Requirements – Iowa

Minimum Requirements to be a Police Officer in Iowa

Be a U. S. Citizen and a resident of Iowa or intend to become a resident upon being employed;
Be 18 years of age at the time of appointment;
Hold a valid Iowa driver’s license;
Not be addicted to drugs or alcohol [modified for Chapter 400 civil service positions by §400.17 of the Code of Iowa];
Be of good moral character as determined by a thorough background investigation including a fingerprint search conducted of local, state and national fingerprint files and have not been convicted of a felony or a crime involving moral turpitude;
Successfully pass physical fitness tests; (see chart below)
Not be opposed to use of force to fulfill duties;
Be a high school graduate or hold a GED certificate;
Have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, and color vision consistent with the Occupational demands of law enforcement;
Have normal hearing in each ear (hearing aids are acceptable if a candidate can demonstrate sufficient hearing proficiency to perform all necessary duties of a law enforcement officer)
Be examined by a physician and meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
Undergo psychological testing.