Minimum Qualifications

Do You Qualify?

Review the requirements below before you apply. We're looking for honest, capable candidates who are ready to serve the Des Moines community.

$

Entry Level

$3,000

Hiring incentive for entry level police officers, plus 40 hours of vacation upon hire.

$

Lateral Officers

$40,000

Hiring incentive for certified lateral officers, plus 80 hours vacation and 80 hours sick leave upon hire.

Minimum Requirements

All candidates must meet the following requirements at the time of hire. Some requirements must be met at the time of testing — review each item carefully.

Basic Eligibility

  • Minimum Age

    Must be at least 21 years old.

  • Citizenship

    U.S. Citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident.

  • Education

    High school diploma or GED required. No college required, though degree holders receive preference points.

  • Driver's License

    Valid Washington State driver's license required at time of appointment.

  • English Proficiency

    Must be able to read, speak, and write the English language.

  • Vision

    Must meet LEOFF vision standards.

Testing Requirements

  • Written Examination

    Required. Administered through Public Safety Testing (publicsafetytesting.com).

  • Physical Ability Test (PAT)

    Required. Must be completed within 180 days (approximately 6 months) before or after your passing written exam.

  • Basic Law Enforcement Academy

    Must successfully obtain BLEA certification within one year of hire. Academy is fully paid by the department.

Criminal History

  • Felony Convictions

    No felony convictions as an adult or juvenile.

Bonus Points

Preference Points

Additional points are added to your final cumulative score for the following:

AA / AS / AT Degree

+5%

BA / BS Degree

+8%

MA / MS / MPA Degree

+10%

Veterans Preference (per RCW 41.04.010)

+10%

Already Certified?

Lateral & Academy Graduate Entry

Commissioned law enforcement officers with 12 months of consecutive POST certification are eligible for lateral entry. Lateral candidates and academy graduates do not need to complete the written or physical fitness exam. Contact Des Moines Civil Service at desmoineswa.gov for lateral details.

Disqualifiers

The following are automatic and potential disqualifiers. Do not apply if you have any automatic disqualifiers.

Automatic Disqualifiers

  • Criminal

    Conviction of any misdemeanor under Washington law while employed as a peace officer (including military police).

  • Criminal

    Admission of lying, falsification of any official report or document, theft, or crimes of deception while employed as a peace officer.

  • Criminal

    Previous revocation or current suspension of CJTC/POST Certification.

  • Criminal

    Admission of any unlawful sexual misconduct.

  • Drug Use

    Sale of narcotics or dangerous drugs.

  • Drug Use

    Pattern of abusing prescription medication.

  • Drug Use

    Any illegal use or possession of a drug while employed in any law enforcement capacity, including military police.

  • Drug Use

    Manufacture or cultivation of any drug or illegal substance.

  • Drug Use

    Failure to disclose personal illegal drug use or possession during the application process.

  • Drug Use

    Any drug test during the hiring process where illegal drugs are detected.

  • Integrity

    Any material misstatement of fact or significant omission during the application or background process.

  • Integrity

    Forgery, alteration, or intentional omission of material facts on an official employment application.

  • Military

    Dishonorable discharge from the United States Armed Forces.

  • Financial

    Failure to pay income tax or child support.

Potential Disqualifiers

Reviewed on a case-by-case basis.

  • Driving

    More than two moving violations in the past 3 years; reckless driving, suspended license, or DWI in the past 5 years.

  • Drug Use

    Any illegal drug use will be closely scrutinized on a case-by-case basis.

  • Criminal

    Conviction of any misdemeanor under Washington law within three years prior to application.

  • Criminal

    Two or more misdemeanor convictions as an adult.

  • Criminal

    Admission of any act amounting to a felony under Washington law.

  • Criminal

    Any history of domestic violence, civil rights violations, or outstanding warrants.

  • Employment

    Involuntary dismissal from two or more employers; excessive job changes; workplace misconduct including harassment or discrimination.

  • Financial

    Multiple bankruptcies, unsatisfied legal judgments, or wage garnishment.

Ready to Apply?

Testing is conducted through Public Safety Testing. Submit your application through the City of Des Moines job portal.

Apply NowTake the Written Exam