Police Officer - Spring 2027

City of Davenport • Davenport, IA

10d

About The Position

The Davenport Police Department is seeking highly motivated, ethical, and community-minded individuals for a community-centered law enforcement role. Under general supervision, officers maintain public order, protect life and property, prevent crime, and serve the community with professionalism and integrity. The department values the varied strengths, perspectives, and experiences officers bring to the job.

The position involves patrolling assigned areas, responding to emergency calls, enforcing traffic laws, documenting incidents, mediating disputes, and apprehending suspects. Officers may also assist with crime-scene investigations, suspect interrogations, witness interviews, evidence security, service of legal papers, and court testimony.

Hired officers will attend the 16-week Iowa Law Enforcement Academy beginning May 3, 2027. Employment is scheduled to begin April 26, 2027. Residency must be established within 20 miles of Davenport’s corporate city limits; residency in Illinois is permitted.

Requirements

• Be at least 21 years old by the list certification date of April 14, 2027.
• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be a United States citizen at the time of the written examination.
• Pass an extensive background check and submit to a polygraph test.
• Be able to perform the core functions of the position.
• Have uncorrected vision of at least 20/100 in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in each eye, and normal color vision.
• Have normal hearing.
• Be able to speak clearly and communicate well.
• Be able to develop proficiency in operating firearms and operate motor vehicles safely.
• Adhere to Davenport Police Department professional standards regarding tattoos: no visible facial, head, or neck tattoos while on duty or in uniform; no tattoos below the wrist except one ring tattoo per hand. Exceptions may be granted by the Chief of Police.
• Retake and pass the physical ability test before receiving an employment offer; failure results in disqualification or removal from the certified list.
• Establish residency within 20 miles of Davenport’s corporate city limits; residency may be in Illinois.
• Demonstrate skill in dealing with others courteously and fairly, and enforce laws and ordinances with firmness and tact.
• Have good knowledge of the purpose of law enforcement and the criminal justice system, law enforcement procedures and equipment, and applicable city, state, and federal law.
• Have considerable skill in obtaining valid information through interviews and interrogations, reacting quickly and calmly in emergencies, and using physical strength to restrain, lift, carry, and pursue.
• Have working skill in using firearms and operating motor vehicles properly within established guidelines; exercising good judgment; objectively observing and clearly recording facts; communicating orally and in writing; handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially; understanding and following instructions; and gathering, analyzing, and evaluating evidence to reach sound conclusions.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual applicants are desired.

Responsibilities

• Patrol assigned areas by vehicle or on foot to prevent crime, enforce laws and ordinances, maintain a visible police presence, monitor for suspicious activity, maintain radio contact with central communications, and assist the public.
• Respond to emergency calls, assess and proceed to incidents, take control of emergency scenes, direct traffic, secure the scene, assist medical personnel when needed, and communicate with central communications.
• Monitor traffic, detect and enforce traffic violations, issue citations, enforce parking regulations, and direct traffic at special events, accidents, and detours.
• Write thorough incident reports, documenting relevant details, involved persons, event sequences, measurements, and weather conditions.
• Intervene in fights and disputes, restrain people involved in violence when necessary, secure areas where people threaten harm, and attempt to mediate disputes.
• Apprehend and arrest suspects, take custody of people involved in or wanted for crimes, use necessary force to control resistant persons, and detain suspects pending arraignment procedures.
• May assist in crime-scene investigations, interrogate suspects, interview witnesses, secure evidence, serve legal papers, and testify in court.

Benefits

• Starting pay for lateral hires is commensurate with sworn and certified law enforcement experience.
• Lateral hires receive a bank of sick and vacation leave.
• Home Base Iowa relocation incentives for eligible veterans purchasing a home: a $5,000 State of Iowa tax credit payable at closing, $1,500 closing-cost reimbursement from Scott County, and $1,500 closing-cost reimbursement from the City of Davenport.
• Retirement benefits through the Municipal Fire & Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI).

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED