Spring 2027 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

Spring 2027 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

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Spring 2027 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

Salary

$0.00 Hourly

Location

State of Iowa - See Job Description, IA

Job Type

Internship

Job Number

27-00364

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Opening Date

08/18/2026

Closing Date

9/13/2026 11:59 PM Central

LinkedIn Tag

#LI-DNP

Point of Contact

Kyle Rich ([email protected])

To Apply

Application must be submitted through this web site

• Description

• Benefits

• Questions

Job Description

This is a non-merit, non-paid internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement?

Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)?

This program is designed to provide a real life,UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university. Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:

• Division of Criminal Investigation

• State Fire Marshal

• Drug & Narcotic Enforcement

• Professional Development and Support Services

• Criminal Intelligence

• Iowa State Patrol

• Crime Lab

• and support roles

As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 18 years old

• Current college student or near graduation

• US Citizen

• In good standing with college/university

• Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation

• Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)

• Law Enforcement career focused

Program Location/Length/Hours:

• Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

• The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours.

• We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.

• Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.

• Point of contact: [email protected]

• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.

• This is not a remote position.

• This is an UNPAID Internship

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)?

This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university. Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:

• Division of Criminal Investigation

• State Fire Marshal

• Drug & Narcotic Enforcement

• Professional Development and Support Services

• Criminal Intelligence

• Iowa State Patrol

• Crime Lab

• and support roles

As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 18 years old

• Current college student or near graduation

• US Citizen

• In good standing with college/university

• Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation

• Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)

• Law Enforcement career focused

Program Location/Length/Hours:

• Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.

• The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours.

• We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.

• Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.

• Point of contact: [email protected]

• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.

• This is not a remote position.

• This is an UNPAID Internship

E-Verify and Right to Work

The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.

Minimum Qualification Requirements

Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

For additional information, please click on thislink to view the job description. (https://das.iowa.gov/sites/default/files/hr/documents/class\_and\_pay/JobClassDescriptions/PeaceOfficerCandidate-15223.pdf)

Additional Qualification Requirements

All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program.

Screening for the Academy includes:

a) Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse, or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer.

b) Physical examination and agility test to assure that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties (drug screens included).

c) Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision.

d) Hearing exam with a loss not exceeding a 25-decibel average in either ear at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles.

e) Battery of psychological exams to determine that the individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer.

f) Oral Board and Polygraph review.

g) Age - applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applicants must be United States citizens but need not be Iowa residents at the time of application.

Applicants must successfully complete and graduate from the Departmental Academy.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety.

Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.

Why Choose the State of Iowa?

At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice.

Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:

Competitive Compensation:

Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise.

Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits.

Health and Wellness:

Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost.

Retirement Planning:

We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) .

Paid Time Off:

Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters.

Professional Development:

Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP):

We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program.

Diversity and Inclusion:

Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation.

Join Us - Elevate Your Career:

Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority!

01

Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.

• Yes - I understand and agree.

• No

02

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY

Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq?

• No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

• Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq

03

Please refer to the map in the posting to indicate up to two locations where you are interested in serving the internship

• Osceola

• Council Bluffs

• Denison

• Cherokee

• Spencer

• Mason City

• Fort Dodge

• Cedar Falls

• Oelwein

• Stockton

• Cedar Rapids

• Mount Pleasant

• Des Moines

Required Question

Employer

State of Iowa

Agency

595 Iowa Department of Public Safety

Address

215 E 7th St

Des Moines, Iowa, 50319

Website

https://dps.iowa.gov/

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