Police Officer

Join Our Team - Protect and Serve Your Community

Are you ready to make a real impact in your community? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join our dynamic police force and help us maintain safety and security in the City of Cedar Rapids. If you're passionate about law enforcement and committed to making a positive difference, we want to hear from you. To learn about our Police Officer selection process please review our Career Information Packet. Additional information can be found on the Cedar Rapids Police Department Employment webpage.

About our Organization

At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.

About our Community

Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here! 

About this Opportunity
Police Officers provide direct services in the enforcement of the law, maintenance of public order, control of traffic in City streets by the performance of surveillance, intervention, arrest, direction of emergency activities or a variety of related acts. 

The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

• Patrols City streets;
• Responds to calls for police assistance or service;
• Directs traffic where needed;
• Provides emergency assistance to ill or injured citizens;
• Arrests law violators; testifies in judicial proceedings;
• Maintains custody of prisoners;
• Makes reports;
• Conducts initial investigation of alleged criminal conduct;
• Maintains order in crowds;
• Advises public on laws in force;
• Enforces traffic laws, issues citations where indicated;
• Investigates suspicious persons or activities;
• Records, stores, and is responsible for evidence for future court cases, and lost items that have been found and turned in by members of the general public;
• Attends roll-calls;
• Attends training sessions;
• Other duties as assigned;
• Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
• Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
• Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
• Performs related work as required.

Acceptable Experience and Training

• Training and experience as prescribed by the Civil Service Commission.

Required Special Qualifications

• U.S. citizen and resident of Iowa or intends to become a resident upon appointment;
• 18 years of age upon appointment;
• Valid Iowa Driver's or Chauffer's License upon appointment;
• Meets minimum hiring standards as outlined in Iowa Administrative Code-501. 

New Officer Compensation
Police Officers are covered under the Police Bargaining Union collective bargaining agreement. All new police officer hires begin employment at step 1 (minimum) of the wage scale.

New Hire	1 year	2 years	3 years	4 years	5 years	6 years	7 years	8 years	9 years	10 years
$31.94	$33.23	$34.55	$35.92	$37.37	$38.88	$40.41	$42.01	$43.71	$45.47	$47.53

Lateral Transfers
Certified law enforcement officers who work for another Iowa agency or who work outside the State of Iowa are accepted as lateral transfers. Lateral transfers are hired at our pay step consistent with the total number of years of service as a Certified Peace Officer. Please review the Career Information Packet for more information. 

Hiring Potential
The Cedar Rapids Police Department is hiring for multiple vacancies with an anticipated Police Academy start date in May 2025.

Application Instructions
All interested candidates must complete an electronic application for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids by January 9, 2025 at 11:59pm (23:59). In order for an application to be complete, candidates must consent to authorize the Cedar Rapids Police to conduct a background check as outlined within the application. Candidates who do not complete this section of the electronic application, or provide a signed copy of the authorization form will not be moved forward to the testing process.