*Please read entire job description. Important application information is listed at the bottom of this page. Applications for this position are not accepted electronically, and the attached application packet must be submitted.

Under general supervision, performs responsible law enforcement duties in the protection of life and property through crime prevention and enforcement of laws and ordinances. Deputies work in diverse areas such as patrol, traffic control, criminal and accident investigations, narcotics, civil process, execution of warrants, courthouse security, transportation or extradition, and community relations. As deputies gain experience and training, they become eligible for specialty assignments including search and rescue, hostage rescue and negotiation, criminal and accident investigation, narcotics, field or jail training officer, and firearms instructor. A Deputy’s duties range from periods of physical inactivity to situations requiring extreme physical exertion and exposure to danger. Employees must be able to act without immediate supervision and exercise independent judgement in meeting emergencies.

Illustrative Examples of Work

When Assigned to the Patrol/Field Operations Division:

1. Patrols an assigned area in a radio-equipped vehicle to maintain public peace, to prevent and detect the commission of crimes, to observe, report, and investigate violations of laws and ordinances, and to protect life and property.

2. Responds to calls/complaints including domestic/neighborhood disputes, rape, assault, robberies, disorderly conduct, vandalism, fire, emergencies, animal control and various incidents involving misdemeanors/ felonies; provides advice/assistance to citizens on criminal and civil processes; facilitates and mediates resolution of disputes; provides counseling/referral to community services.

3. Enforces traffic laws/issues citations; administers sobriety tests; provides assistance to motorists; controls/directs traffic; conducts vehicle searches.

4. Acts as first responder at scene of accidents or crimes; secures scene, provides emergency CPR/AED and first aid; provides death notification to family members.

5. Conducts preliminary investigations; interviews witnesses/victims to obtain statements; collects, photographs and marks evidence; reconstructs the accident or crime scene by preparing detailed sketches and diagrams; takes measurements; prepares detailed reports; may conduct follow up investigations.

6. Apprehends and arrests individuals involved in the commission of a crime; executes warrants and court orders; transports offenders to jail; enforces court orders for mental commitments and evaluations.

7. Initiates the filing of charges against suspected criminals; files probable causes, complaint forms, and criminal histories to the County Attorney’s office; attends court proceedings and appears at hearings to assist and provide testimony regarding arrests and investigations.

8. Participates on internal and external committees or task-forces as assigned; conducts physical surveillance of suspected criminal activity; provides courthouse security.

9. Writes detailed and accurate reports to document activities including pre-preliminary complaints, supplemental/follow-up investigations, accident/incident reports, and daily activity logs.

10. Performs related duties as assigned.

When Assigned to the Court Services Division:

1. Provides law enforcement functions within the Polk County Courthouse buildings.

2. Performs security screenings for weapons and contraband at Polk County Courthouse entrances.

3. Provides safe, secure custody and transportation of inmates for court appearances, hearings, and appointments.

4. Performs related duties to ensure the safety and security of the community and those working and conducting business within the Polk County Courthouse buildings.

When Assigned to Civil Unit:

1. Serves legal papers such as protective orders, subpoenas, summons/petitions, garnishments, orders to appear, citations, eviction notices, and other court processes to citizens within Polk County.

2. Reprocesses, seizes, and transports property/persons as ordered by the court.

3. Performs other duties as assigned.

When Assigned to Community Relations Unit:

1. Serves as liaison between the Sheriff’s Office and the community in an effort to present, coordinate, and increase awareness of various community.

2. Makes public presentations on crime prevention, safety, emergency preparedness, and personal/property protection to schools/community groups; provides training on domestic violence/protective orders to citizen groups.

3. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of the Iowa Criminal Code, Iowa Traffic Code, Judicial System, Rules of Civil Procedures, and departmental policies and standard operating procedures.
Knowledge of the principles and practices of modern law enforcement.
Knowledge of the constitutional rights of citizens and incarcerated persons.
Knowledge of proper investigation principles, practices, and techniques.
Knowledge of CPR/AED and First Aid.
Skill in the techniques utilized to subdue violent or uncooperative people.
Skill in the safe operation of motor vehicles.
Good attention to details and observation skills.
Good visual acuity/night vision/peripheral vision.
Good interviewing and listening skills.
Ability to keep detailed/accurate records and reports.
Ability to read and comprehend complex laws and ordinances and interpret court orders.
Ability to analyze people and/or situations quickly/calmly and determine/take effective and reasonable courses of action while under stress/pressure.
Ability to de-escalate/mediate volatile situations.
Ability to understand and carry out verbal and written instructions.
Ability to apply knowledge of law enforcement methods, procedures, and techniques to specific situations.
Ability to operate equipment such as Intoxilyzer, fingerprint/photo, and personal computer.
Ability to communicate clearly/effectively both verbally and in writing.
Proven ability/proficiency in safe use of firearms.
Ability to deal fairly, objectively, and courteously with the general public without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, or political beliefs.
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, co-workers, representatives of other organizations, and people from diverse cultures.
Ability to maintain certifications as required by assignment.
Ability to operate communication dispatch radio.
Ability to walk, stand, run on uneven surfaces.
Ability to work in inclement weather.
Ability to stand or sit for extended periods of time.
Ability to hear conversational voice.
Ability to meet physical/psychological standards as set forth by the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Training and ExperienceHigh School graduation or equivalent, and
Completion of the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

Be a citizen of the United States.
Must be at least 21 years of age at the time of the written examination.
Must have uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 in both eyes, corrected to 20/20, and color vision consistent with the occupational demands of law enforcement.
Must have normal hearing in each ear as defined by Iowa Code (hearing aids are acceptable if a candidate can demonstrate sufficient hearing proficiency to perform all necessary duties of a law enforcement officer).
Must be examined by a physician and meet the physical requirements necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of a law enforcement officer.
Must undergo psychological testing prior to final offer of employment.
A criminal background check is required.
A drug screen is required prior to final offer of employment.
Candidate must pass a post-employment offer physical examination and physical capacity testing to ensure candidate meets the essential physical requirements of the position.
CPR/AED and First Aid training is required within one year of hire.
A valid State of Iowa driver’s license is required.
Must meet the minimum requirements as set forth in Iowa Administrative Code 501 Chapter 2.
Must successfully complete the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.
Must successfully complete Patrol Field Training.

Advanced annual entry salary of up to 12% for prior experience.

Please return the application and required documents by March 15, 2026 at 3:00 p.m. to:

mary.toney@polkcountyiowa.gov

Polk County Sheriff’s Office Administration Division

ATTN: Mary Toney

5995 NE 14th Street

Des Moines, IA 50313

Preferred method of delivery is email to avoid any processing delays.

PLEASE CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE DEPUTY SHERIFF HIRING PACKET. (Download PDF reader)

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