Iowa LE testing and training

[Lattimer24]

Hey all,

I'd just like to say this is one of the most informative places I have found for so many questions I have developed in my quest for an LE position. Everyone here provides useful information that all can benefit from without even participating.

Here's my question: Anyone out there have any experience with the Iowa application process? They are currently accepting applications for several positions with their state agencies and the deadline is May 31st. I have already submitted my application and am awaiting word.

A little background on me, I am from Wyoming, graduated from high school in Cheyenne and graduated from the University of Wyoming in Laramie with a B.A. in Criminal Justice. I currently work as a Criminal Information Specialist for the State of Wyoming Division of Criminal Investigation and am eager to get my hands dirty in the field.

If anyone can provide some insight as to the testing process; physical fitness, written, oral, polygraph, all information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance and I look forward to being apart of this great community!

[Sag22]

It all depends on the agencies you are applying for. Their process is as different as the departments are. The physical is the same, 1.5 mile run, sit-ups, push-ups, and sit and reach. Some departments give poly's others don't. I work in eastern Iowa so if you have any specific questions feel free to ask :)

[Lattimer24]

I applied for Narcotics agent with DNE, Gaming Enforcement with DCI, and State Trooper. They all seem to be under the umbrella of the Department of Public Safety and I am assuming from what info I have found on their sites that the testing process and requirements will all be the same.

What agency do you work for in Eastern Iowa? Did you attend the ILEA? Any insights on the hiring process you went through would be greatly appreciated. I know they are vastly different anywhere you apply but if I can gain some knowledge as to what I'll be up against, that sounds good to me.

[Sag22]

I know that for a LONG time DPS was on a hiring freeze. I know of a few officers in my area that are applying to the DNE. They are officers with a lot of experience and training in drug enforcement (DRE's, SFST Instructors etc..)and are already certified LE through ILEA. The DPS academy is around 20 weeks where the LE academy is only 13. Those who are already certified LE through ILEA ony have to attend a shortened academy.

I can only tell you what the experience is like for general LE at ILEA which what I hear is vastly different than DPS academy. DPS academy is extremely para-military. They play A LOT of head games and physical fitness is tougher. One guy in my academy class quit the DPS academy because it was too tough on him (ex-marine). He said that they wouldn't let him contact his family for the first few weeks he was there. ILEA is a live-in academy (weekends off).

One story we were always told was that DPS academy would get up at some ungodly hour and do push-ups outside the academy windows until one of us 'regular' LEO's woke up and looked out our window at them, then they could stop.

Most agencies hold physical agility testing first to weed out the weak. Then they hold POST testing and psych (sometimes interview mixed in). My hiring process took about three months from physical agility to hire. It all depends on how quickly they want the positions filled or when the next academy is.

Hope this helps and GOOD LUCK!!!