Interested in becoming a police officer? We follow a similar process as most agencies in the State of Iowa. Because we are governed by Civil Services rules, we only open our applications once a year. This is a competitive process and takes time to complete but this helps us get the best candidates.
We will help you prepare for the test and interviews so you can do your best. Check out some of the links below to learn more about our process.
You can also talk to one of our career mentors about what you need to do to prepare for a career in law enforcement whether its with us or another agency. We want to see you succeed and see men and women of integrity enter this exciting career.
What is the process for joining the Sioux City Police Department?
Once the application process starts, people interested in joining the SCPD can fill out an application online. Applications that qualify will be offered a physical fitness test which is usually held in the morning. After passing the physical fitness test, applicants will then take the written POST Test. Once the written is passed, a background investigation will be conducted on candidates who passed the first two tests. They will then be scheduled for an oral interview with the Civil Service Board.
BENEFITS
- Health
- Dental
- Vision
- Life insurance
- Vacation Leave
- Sick Leave
- Comp Time
- Overtime
- Per Diem
- Retirement
- Training Opportunities
- Deferred Compensation
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
- Crimes Against Persons
- Property Crimes
- School Resource Officer
- Youth Investigator
- Crime Prevention
- Drug Task Force
- S.I.U.
- Accreditation Assistant
- S.W.A.T
- Crisis Negotiator
- Traffic Investigator
- K9 Unit
- Field Training Officer
- Honor Guard
- Bag Pipe Unit
- Traffic
- S.T.E.P/A.S.A.P
INSTRUCTORSHIPS
- Firearms
- Defensive Tactics
- Driving
- PR24
- ASP
- CEW/Taser
- D.C. Less Lethal
- Low Light
- Rapid Response/Active Killer
- Verbal Judo
- Radar/Lidar
- Stop Sticks
- Firearms Armorer
In order to take the entrance exam for Police Officer, you have to meet the following requirements:
- Be able to read, write, and speak the English language.
- Be of good moral character.
- Not be an alcohol or drug addict.
- Be age 21 by the time the application for taking the exam close.
- Present only one of the following:
- Proof that applicant has completed or is capable of completion of at least 60 hours of college credits from an accredited college or university with a minimum grade point average of "C" by a date established by the City of Sioux City Human Resources Department (typically a date in mid-may). Applicant must successfully complete the remaining credit hours by a date established by the City of Sioux City Human Resources Department (typically a date in mid-may) and submit a final transcript to qualify for the eligibility list, OR
- Four years of law enforcement experience as a certified full‑time city, county, state, or federal police officer, OR
- High school diploma or equivalent and four years of active-duty military experience in the U.S. Armed Services and an honorable discharge.
- (A combination of the above is acceptable; 15 college credits=one year of experience.) (Documentation relating to education, training, employment and duties must be attached to the application. The applicant shall have the burden of establishing his/her qualifications. The decision of the Commission and/or its designated agent shall be final regarding military experience.)
- Be in good physical condition and be able to participate in a physical agility test.
- If a Veteran is interested in receiving veterans' preference, they must furnish a copy of their DD 214 or other official Department of Defense document that verifies the dates of their induction and separation and their honorable discharge no later than the closing date of applications. The veterans’ preference points will be given only upon passing the exam and cannot be a determining factor in passing the exam.
- Be required to have fingerprints taken.
- Must be a United States citizen.
- Must not have a misdemeanor conviction for domestic violence as defined by the Federal Gun Control Act of 1968 as amended in October 1996.
- Must not have been convicted of a felony.
NOTE: Please refer to current Sioux City Civil Service Commission Rules Governing Entrance Examinations for Police Officers available on the City of Sioux City website. https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/siouxcity
Officers with the Sioux City Police Department are allowed to live in Iowa, Nebraska, or South Dakota within ten (10) miles of the city limits of Sioux City.
WRITTEN TEST
Every candidate must pass a written test, the National Police Officer Selection Test (POST). It is a timed test and meant to test your general knowledge and observation skills. There are four sections to include Arithmetic, Reading Comprehension, Grammar and Incident Report Writing. There are study guides and practice tests you can purchase on your own to prepare you for the test which is highly recommended. ApplyToServe.com
FITNESS TESTING
In order to qualify for Police Officers, all applicants must be able to pass a physical fitness test in order to take the entrance exam and then again to enter the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. The fitness test consists of timed push-ups, sit-ups, and a mile and half run. This is a pass/fail test and all three categories have to be passed. The times and requirements on based on gender and age.
