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Recruitment and Employment
Application Process
Applications are now accepted year-round, and remain active until the end of the calendar year. Apply today!
NOTE: Those who submitted applications during calendar year 2025 will need to submit a new application on or after Jan. 1, 2026.
Testing Information
The next testing date for Police Officer applicants will be Friday, Feb. 27. The physical test will begin at 9 a.m. at the ImOn Ice Arena (1800 Admiral Sheehy Dr.). Those who pass the physical test will then take the written test at the Dubuque Law Enforcement Center (770 Iowa St.).
A written examination (Civil Service) and physical agility test for the Police Officer position are conducted on an as-needed basis. Applicants are notified of testing details, as well as future test dates, via email. Applications will remain active through the end of the calendar year when they are filed.
POST Study Guide and Practice Tests are available
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 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
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 115 sworn officers and 12 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.