Recruitment and Employment

Application Process

Registration for the 2022 Police Officer testing is open until Feb. 28, 2023 at 11:59 p.m.  

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Testing Information

  • A written examination (Civil Service) and physical agility test for the Police Officer position will be conducted at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2023, at the Dubuque Ice Arena, located at 1800 Admiral Sheehy Drive. 
  • Check-in begins at 9 a.m. Applicants must check in prior to 10 a.m. 
  • Please bring a photo identification to the test and wear appropriate clothing for the physical agility test. 
  • Upon successful completion of the agility testing, applicants will receive an entrance pass to the written POST. Those failing the physical agility test are not eligible to take the written POST. Check in for the written exam will begin at 10:30 a.m. and end at 11:00 a.m.
  • Photo identification must be presented at both the written and physical fitness testing. The POST test will not be given to applicants who fail the physical agility testing.
  • POST Study Guide and Practice Tests are available

Physical Ability Practice Test Opportunities

Dubuque Police Department has established the following physical agility test practice sessions:

  • Friday, March 3, 2023 at 1 p.m.
  • Wednesday, March 8, 2023 at 7 p.m.

Practice sessions will also be held at the Dubuque Ice Arena. If you pass the physical agility test at a practice session, you may elect to use your results from the practice session and not be required to take the physical agility test the day of the written exam.

Qualifications

In order to qualify for employment with the Police Department, you must meet the following:

  • A United States citizen
  • Eligible for appointment to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy
  • 18 years of age
  • Possess a valid Iowa drivers license (or able to attain one at time of hire)
  • Not a habitual criminal
  • Successfully pass the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy physical agility test
  • Not opposed to the use of force to fulfill that person's duties
  • High school diploma or its equivalent at the time of appointment
  • Uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100, correctable to 20/20
  • Normal color vision
  • Normal hearing in each ear
  • Able to pass a physical exam and meet the requirements necessary
  • Women, minorities, and veterans are encouraged to apply
  • A pre-employment drug screen and polygraph examination will be administered

View an informational flyer

Informational Flyer

More Information

Selection Process

The selection process begins with the Iowa Police Officer Selection Test (POST). The applicants that score highest on the POST continue in the selection process, which consists of a fingerprint and criminal history screening, an oral interview, completion of the Iowa Law Enforcement Physical Fitness Test, a background investigation, physical examination with drug screening, psychological evaluation, and polygraph examination.

The applicants who complete the process with the highest standings are placed on a certified Civil Service list for hiring. The applicants with the next highest standings will remain active in the process and be placed on a reserve list.

The Police Chief then makes recommendations to the City Manager for selection from the certified list as vacancies occur. If the list is exhausted within one year, the second list may be activated by the Civil Service Commission. This list may remain active two years past the date of the original test score certification.

Applicants who are selected are notified of their starting date, and commence their probationary period, during which time they participate in the field training portion of the hiring process.

For information about becoming a Dubuque Police Officer contact Capt. Scott Baxter at 563.589.4422 or by email or the City of Dubuque Human Resources Department at 563.589.4125 or by email.

Field Training

Field training consists of progressive training, including orientation, basic training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and 20 weeks of the field training and evaluation process.

After field training, the new officer is assigned to a solo patrol under the guidance of a shift supervisor, and then given a final evaluation by the Field Training Commander.

Applicants who are already certified in the State of Iowa do not need to attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, but do participate in the other elements. 

About Dubuque and the Department

The City of Dubuque, Iowa, with a population of nearly 60,000 is centrally located on the Mississippi River where the borders of Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois meet.  Here are some sources for information on the Dubuque community:

The Dubuque Police Department has an authorized strength of 110 sworn officers and nine civilians. We are a proactive, service-oriented agency, employing community policing principles. Most of our sworn officers are assigned to patrol and criminal investigation activities.

If you are interested in taking part in the ride-along program, complete an application. 

Contact Us

  1. Captain Scott Baxter

    Support Services Division
    563-589-4422 
    Email