West Des Moines Police Department

10/30/2026

Join Our Team in West Des Moines! Here at the West Des Moines Police Department, we offer a wide range of exciting assignments that go beyond traditional patrol. Our dedicated officers are committed to serving our community with excellence. To ensure we're always prepared for anything that comes our way, we conduct training every month.

Interested in expanding your skills? Officers have the chance to apply for specialized roles such as Field Training Officer, Bicycle Patrol, Crisis Intervention Team member, K9 Handler, Narcotics Task Force operative, UAS Drone Pilot, and much more!

Here’s what we offer:
✔️ 10-Hour Shifts / 4-Day Weekends
✔️ 2-5 Weeks of Vacation Per Year
✔️ 10 Paid Holidays & 1 Casual Day
✔️ 12 Days of Sick Leave Per Year
✔️ 4 Weeks of Paid Parental Leave

Ready to take the next step in your career? Learn more and apply by visiting the link in the first comment!

10/28/2026

Today, we recognize the incredible men and women who respond to emergencies, no matter the situation. From police officers and EMS personnel to Westcom dispatchers and firefighters, and our many safety partners in the metro area, we are proud to stand alongside those who care deeply about our community.

To our fellow first responders: thank you for your dedication and the sacrifices you make every day. It’s the strong relationships we build and the teamwork we share that truly empower us to serve and protect those in need. Together, we are stronger.

10/28/2026

Ready for your next career move? The West Des Moines Police Department is hiring police officers. After field training, the salary is $77,250, with advancement opportunities in detective work, command, ERU and school resource officer roles. Apply by Nov. 10. Learn more and apply through the link in the first comment.

10/27/2026

On Monday, October 19, the West Des Moines City Council adopted an e-bike ordinance to help keep our community safe. Everyone should understand the risks and consequences of riding an e-bike unsafely. Riders may face charges for moving violations, which can affect applications for a permit or driver’s license. We recently saw an extreme case in which fines totaled thousands of dollars after riders ran stop signs, weaved in and out of traffic, and made rude gestures. Although this was an extreme case, parents should understand the seriousness of the consequences and the dangers e-bikes can pose. Talk with your kids about these risks.

Our officers want to keep the community safe, and our first steps are to clarify the law and provide education. Moving violations can affect a child’s ability to get a permit at age 14 or even delay getting a driver’s license. Don’t let this happen to your child. Talk with your kids so they know what is and isn’t allowed.

Our officers are working to schedule an educational event for Spring 2027.

10/26/2026

Join WDMPD and make a difference in our community. The journey begins with an application, a physical agility test, oral board interviews, and the successful completion of each step in the examination process. Recruits then attend a 16-week program at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, followed by 14 weeks of hands-on field training with our department.

Being a police officer is more than a job; it’s an opportunity to make a positive impact on people’s lives every day.

Ready to serve? Visit the link in the first comment to learn more and apply today.

10/25/2026

We’re looking for dedicated, motivated, and community-focused individuals to become part of our team.

If you’re ready to take on new challenges, support your fellow officers, and make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Apply NOW
For our online application and more information, visit https://www.wdm.iowa.gov/joinWDMPD

Applications are accepted until November 10, 2026 at 11:59pm

10/23/2026

Safely dispose of unused or expired prescription medications at the West Des Moines Police Department on Saturday, October 24, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Liquids, syringes, and illegal drugs will not be accepted. Va**ng devices and cartridges are accepted only if lithium batteries are removed.

Proper disposal helps prevent misuse, addiction, and overdose deaths.

10/23/2026

On Monday, October 19, the West Des Moines City Council passed an ordinance regarding e-bikes to ensure the safety of our community. We want our residents to know that our West Des Moines Police Bike Officers are out on the trails, working to keep them safe and enjoyable for everyone.

In addition to engaging with trail users, our officers are focusing on e-moto safety, addressing unsafe riding behaviors, and enforcing regulations to help prevent injuries and protect pedestrians, cyclists, and families.

Our goal is simple: Safer trails for everyone who enjoys them. In our 2026 community survey, 91% of respondents said they feel safe in West Des Moines, and efforts like these help us build on that confidence.

10/22/2026

A school bus with its stop arm extended and lights flashing means STOP; children are crossing!

Here’s a quick refresher about school bus signals:
🟡 Yellow means slow down.
🛑 Red means stop.

Let’s prioritize the safety of children getting on and off the school bus. Always stop when the stop arm is extended. Iowa Governor's Traffic Safety Bureau

10/21/2026

West Des Moines passed a new ordinance on Monday, October 19, for bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and other personal transportation devices, including important updates for High Speed Pedestrian Conveyances. Our bike officers are out on the trails, helping ensure they remain safe and enjoyable for everyone in our community!

West Des Moines passed a new ordinance on Monday, October 19, for bikes, e-bikes, scooters, and other personal transportation devices, including important updates for High Speed Pedestrian Conveyances:

Ordinance as adopted on Monday, October 19.
• High-speed pedestrian conveyances over 750 watts must be licensed, registered, and insured under State law.
• High-speed pedestrian conveyances 750 watts or less are limited to streets with speed limits of 25 mph or below.

Here’s where different devices can go:
• Bikes and low-speed e-bikes: Sidewalks, trails, streets
• Electric scooters (20 mph or less): Sidewalks, trails, 25 mph streets
• High-speed pedestrian conveyances: No sidewalks or trails; streets only
• Skateboards & rollerblades: Sidewalks, trails, 25 mph streets

Safety reminders:
• Yield to pedestrians
• Use lights at night
• Keep one hand on the handlebars
• Drivers must give 3-feet when passing

Learn more by visiting the link in the first comment.