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Police Cadet

City of Des Moines
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Des Moines Police Cadet

Regular Full-Time - $23.33 - $27.63 Hourly

Police Cadet | Job Details tab | Career Pages

 

The Des Moines Police Cadet is a non-sworn, paid professional position. It serves as a career-development role designed to prepare individuals for future employment as a sworn Des Moines Police Officer. 

Essential Job Duties

Cadets perform a variety of support and staff functions to assist the basic operations of the police department. 

  • Field Support: Directing traffic at events or scenes and answering calls for service that do not require a sworn officer's presence.
  • Enforcement: Performing parking enforcement, particularly in high-traffic or downtown areas.
  • Public Interaction: Taking police reports from citizens via telephone or in person and providing relief in the communications center by answering public complaints.
  • Administrative Tasks: Assisting with office functions, filing, and managing lost or stolen property.
  • Community Relations: Conducting station tours, representing the department at meetings, and participating in public education activities. 

Key Qualifications

  • Education: High school diploma or G.E.D..
  • Licensure: Possession of a valid motor vehicle operator's license issued by the State of Iowa.
  • Citizenship: Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Character: Ability to pass an intensive background investigation, polygraph examination, and psychological testing.
  • Age: While some regional "Public Safety Cadet" programs (like those in West Des Moines) are for youth aged 14–20, the professional Des Moines Police Cadet role generally requires candidates to be at least 21 years old by the date of hire to transition into the officer academy. 

Career Track Requirements

The position is a "launchpad" for becoming a Des Moines Police Officer. Specific restrictions apply: 

  • Mandatory Testing: Incumbents must take the Police Officer examination process at the first available opportunity.
  • Termination Clause: Cadets must be selected as a Des Moines Police Officer in one of the first two recruitments following their eligibility; failure to be hired as an officer within these cycles typically leads to termination from the cadet position.