Patrol Officer

This position is responsible for the enforcement of federal, state, and local laws and the protection of life and property in one of the safest cities in Iowa. An incumbent in this position may patrol the city to detect and deter criminal activity and traffic violations, conduct investigations, prepare reports, and perform other related law enforcement duties.

The Pella Police Department has 19 full-time officers, 2 reserve officers, and 7 civilian employees who provide public safety services to the citizens of Pella.

The Pella (IA) Police Department is currently accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Qualified certified lateral officers within Iowa are eligible to receive an $8,000 sign-on bonus. Out-of-state certified officers may qualify for a $6,000 sign-on bonus. The starting annual salary for the position of Police Officer is $64,563 ($31.04 per hour). We encourage you to apply if you are interested in working in a great community and with an agency that supports both personal and professional development, growth, and wellness.

The Pella Police Department is committed to recruiting and hiring individuals with personal integrity, high ethical standards, and a dedication to service. We offer equal opportunities to all applicants and employees, regardless of their race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other classification or status protected by law.

This job involves enforcing federal, state, and local laws and ensuring the safety of citizens and property in one of Iowa's safest cities. The role requires patrolling the city to prevent criminal activity and traffic violations, conducting investigations, preparing reports, and performing other law enforcement duties. The full job description can be viewed at: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://cityofpella.com/Document Center/View/10457/Police-Officer-Full-Job-Description-PDF

Applications must be received by Friday, August 8, 2025, at 11: 59 P.M.

Requirements:

Successful candidates must meet minimum hiring standards for law enforcement officers as defined in Iowa Administrative Code 501 Chapter 2 (https://www.legis.iowa.gov/docs/iac/chapter/01-12-2022.501.2.pdf).
Applicants that have attained an associate degree from an accredited college or university, 64 college credit hours, or a combination of college and applicable training and experience are preferred.
The target date for the written examination (POST Exam), physical fitness testing, and interview will be mid-August 2025.
The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy establishes the physical fitness assessment requirements, and the Pella Police Department will utilize those guidelines for our candidate testing. The test is gender and age-based and includes sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. These tests will provide department staff with an assessment of the candidate's strength, flexibility, and cardiovascular health. Certified officer candidates must take the physical fitness assessment per departmental guidelines. The Iowa Law Enforcement Physical Testing Standards can be found at: https://ilea.iowa.gov/agencies/basic-academy/pt-standards.
The National Police Officer Selection Test (P.O.S.T.) is used as an entry-level written test to gauge mental skills, essential intelligence, and education level in police applicants. According to Iowa Law Enforcement Academy standards, a score of 70% on each section is required. ILEA-certified or non-certified applicants with a passing post score within one year of applying are not required to take the POST. A study guide for the POST exam may be found at: https://www.applytoserve.com/Study/.

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