Education and Experience: Successful completion of high school, HiSet, or GED., PLUS 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours in an accredited college or university in diversified academic subjects, OR an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may substitute for the minimum of 60 semester hours or 90 quarter hours of accredited higher education. Not to be included are technical or occupation courses; however, technical or community college credits will be considered if credits are in criminal justice, liberal arts, or a closely related field. Certification by a law enforcement academy may not substitute for any course credit.
Licenses and Certificates: Must obtain a valid Iowa driver license upon appointment. Must demonstrate a safe and conscientious regard for traffic laws. Must meet all state standards for Peace Officer certification, complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, and achieve certification within one year of appointment. Must exceed Iowa Law Enforcement Academy fitness testing standards to be eligible for hire; must complete ILEA based testing biannually.
Centrally located in the heart of Iowa, Ames is a vibrant, progressive community with more than 66,000 residents providing an excellent quality of life. Home to Iowa State University, Ames offers year-round recreation opportunities, diverse cultural offerings, a stable economy, safe neighborhoods, and a high-achieving school district.
Examples of Essential Job Functions
Patrols assigned area in various vehicles or on foot to prevent, discover, and deter the commission of crime; to enforce criminal laws, traffic laws, parking regulations, and City ordinances; and to check the functioning of traffic signals, and road conditions. Monitors and directs vehicular and pedestrian traffic as required.
Provides general assistance to persons in need; provides first aid for injured persons. Answers calls regarding complaints, misdemeanors and felonies; interviews persons with complaints or inquiries; attempts to make proper disposition or direct them to proper authorities. Apprehends suspects. Conducts investigations; searches for and preserves evidence; questions suspects and witnesses; takes written statements; maintains surveillance over persons and places; effects arrests and charges; creates reports; serves warrants. Answers calls involving automobile accidents; takes safeguards to prevent further accidents; clears scene of obstructions and/or wreckage. Conducts accident investigations; reports traffic control device malfunctions and obstructions of view; examines roadways and vehicles; takes various types of measurements associated with crime scenes vehicle crashes and other incidents. Enforces traffic regulations; operates radar equipment; issues traffic and parking tickets; directs traffic at community events. Assists other emergency personnel as needed; secures emergency scene. Testifies as a witness in court. Reports equipment malfunctions and performs minor maintenance and repair.
Books, fingerprints, and photographs prisoners; oversees well being of individuals in custody; follows and maintains detention facility rules and procedures. Transports individuals to and from detention facility.
Provides information to public in accordance with public reporting regulations. Engages in community policing, relationship building, and problem-solving. Embraces ongoing training to maintain professional competence. Builds trust with citizen groups. Acts as department representative providing formal and informal presentations on relevant issues to community groups, schools, etc.
Other Job Functions: May act in specialty assignments including Community Resource, School Resource, Drug Task Force or Safe Neighborhoods Team. May serve as juvenile officer, performing a full range of preventative and investigative duties. May perform duty as a detective.