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POLICE OFFICER

qualifications

Knowledge of:

Common traffic and behavioral laws, emergency response procedures, firearms handling, legal use of force principles, safe vehicle operation, substance abuse prevention, physical fitness standards, and background investigation procedures for law enforcement suitability.

 

Ability to:

Must possess a substantial working knowledge of common laws governing traffic and general behavior, ensuring they can effectively enforce regulations. They should demonstrate the ability to remain composed and act swiftly in emergency situations, maintaining public safety. Furthermore, candidates must be capable of acquiring proficiency in handling firearms and other weapons safely and responsibly. It’s essential that they do not hold conscientious objections to the judicious use of force when necessary for fulfilling their duties. Proficiency in safe and efficient vehicle operation is also required. Additionally, candidates must be free from drug or alcohol addiction and able to pass a physical ability/agility test. Moreover, they must undergo a thorough background investigation, including fingerprint searches at the local, state, and national levels, to confirm their good moral character and absence of felony convictions or crimes involving moral turpitude.

becoming a police officer

Salary Range:

$30.17/HR – $47.14/HR (Effective July 1, 2024)

The work of this class involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of criminals and the general enforcement of laws and ordinates in a designated area or an assigned shift or on special assignments.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

  1. Patrols city streets for crime suppression and provides public service
  2. Reviews reports, statistics, and other compiled information to determine areas in need of selective enforcement
  3. Provides inspection services through patrol activities
  4. Provides contact with the public during routine patrol engagement.
  5. Handles various types of incidents coming to his/her attention either as a called for service or request from the public while on patrol
  6. Provides traffic supervision as called for service or comes to his/her attention while on patrol.
  7. Conducts criminal investigations for case clearance and/or solution
  8. Collects, handles, stores, preserves, & examines evidence of all types
  9. Participates in the training program of the department:
  10. Engages in Community Relations activities  
  11. Prepares official police reports for both internal and external use
  12. Other duties as assigned

Education:

High school diploma or general education degree (GED); or equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform the work.

 

Other Requirements:

Must be a United States citizen. Additionally, they need to reach a minimum age requirement of 21 years by the time they graduate from the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA). If they have already completed their training at ILEA or a recognized law enforcement academy accepted by ILEA, they must still be 21 years old by the start of their employment with the City of Council Bluffs. Furthermore, candidates must be capable of obtaining a valid driver’s license from their state of residence. These qualifications ensure that prospective officers meet the essential standards necessary for effective law enforcement service.

Physical Conditions:

Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, use their hands for tasks such as grasping or manipulating objects, reach with their arms, and engage in activities involving climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling. Additionally, clear vision, speech, and hearing are essential for effective communication and situational awareness. Furthermore, candidates must adhere to minimum standards set forth by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy and the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System (MFPRSI). They should possess the capability to work both indoors and outdoors, regardless of weather conditions, and be prepared for extended periods of duty in high-stress environments.

WE'RE HIRING!

Join the Council Bluffs Police Department (CBPD) and dedicate yourself to advancing the wellbeing of our community and protecting the rights of all people.

Embark on a meaningful career with multiple opportunities for professional development and advancement. The CBPD family has openings and we promise to challenge you, rely on you, and take care of you.

Frequently asked Questions

The CBPD serves and protects the community of Council Bluffs, which comprises over 62,000 residents and businesses. It operates within the greater Omaha metro area, enforcing city, state, and federal traffic and criminal laws.
Yes, candidates must live within 60 miles (according to Google Maps) of the police department located at 1 Ezra Jackson Way, Council Bluffs, IA 51503.

Yes, officers have the opportunity to join the Fraternal Order of Police Union, specifically FOP Lodge 1

  • This phase includes a thorough background investigation covering criminal history, driving records, employment history, interviews with various individuals, and a polygraph exam to assess truthfulness.
  • Under investigation or indictment for a felony offense
  • Commission or admission of felony, aggravated misdemeanor, or crime involving moral turpitude
  • Conviction for a crime of domestic violence
  • Certain juvenile criminal behavior
  • Specific traffic violations
  • Failure to obtain a valid driver’s license upon appointment
  • Providing false information during the selection process
  • Involvement in the sale, manufacture, or transportation for sale of any scheduled drug or narcotic
  • Recent use or ingestion of scheduled drugs, narcotics, or steroids
  • Dishonorable discharge from any branch of the U.S. Armed Forces
  • Any offer of employment requires the candidate to sign an agreement for reimbursement of training expenses and cost of specialized personal equipment. This agreement stipulates that if a Police Officer voluntarily terminates employment within the first five years, they must reimburse the City on a pro-rata basis for certain costs as described in City policy 211:1, Termination of Employment.
  • Juvenile criminal behavior may be considered for disqualification, particularly if the offense involved serious injury to another, sexual assault, use of a deadly weapon, or if the applicant was tried and convicted as an adult for a felony committed as a juvenile.
  • The Physical Agility Examination is the first phase of testing, developed and mandated by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. All candidates, except currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, are required to take this exam. The exam assesses candidates’ physical fitness, and only those who pass are eligible to proceed further in the testing process. The test consists of mile and half run, maximum pushups in a minute, and maximum sit-ups in a minute. Iowa Law Enforcement Academy used the Copper standards to evaluate the scores.
  • The Written Examination is the second phase of testing and is required by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. Candidates are given a recommended amount of time to complete the exam, typically about 2 hours. All applicants must begin testing at the same time, and late arrivals are ineligible to participate. Candidates who score 70% or above on each section of the exam are eligible to proceed in the testing process.
  • Yes, candidates who are currently certified peace officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy are not required to attend either the Physical Agility Examination or the Written Examination. Additionally, successful Stanard & Associates POST scores may be used in lieu of retesting for the Written Examination.
  • Traffic violations are generally excluded from disqualification, with specific exceptions such as DUI offenses within three years from the date of application and certain serious traffic violations within 24 months prior to the application.
  • Yes, bilingual officers receive an additional $25.00 per paycheck as compensation for their language skills.

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ABOUT US
At our core, we are committed to fostering a culture of community-driven policing, where the well-being of our community members stands as our utmost priority. With an unwavering focus on nurturing relationships built on trust, respect, and empathy, our department strives to provide quality service to all with a steadfast dedication to excellence.
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