Welcome and thank you for your interest in the Grinnell Police Department. On this page you will find information to help you learn more about becoming a Grinnell Police Officer.

Current Job Opportunities

The Grinnell Civil Service Commission is currently accepting applications for the position of police officer. Application is available through https://www.policeapp.com/GrinnellIA.

The Grinnell Police Department is seeking a full-time police sergeant. For more information on the available position, please visit https://www.grinnelliowa.gov/DocumentCenter/View/2763/Police-Sergeant-Position-Announcement-42225.

Police Officer Candidate Selection Process

The selection process for police officer includes the following. Failing any step will result in elimination from the process. Applicants should work to produce their best test scores during each selection phase. This will allow the greatest opportunity for a Conditional Offer and Final Offer of Employment.

Minimum Qualifications

Applicants are required to determine from the list of minimum hiring qualifications whether they believe they are suitable for hire as a Grinnell Police Officer. Applicants may review the minimum qualifications at https://www.policeapp.com/GrinnellIA.

Physical Fitness Assessment

The physical fitness assessment consists of sit-ups, push-ups, and a 1.5-mile run. Time and repetitions vary depending on the age and sex of the applicant. We encourage you to review the full physical fitness assessment standards. Scores received from another agency may be used if completed within 12 months of the date of testing. Tip - Prepare for the fitness test by practicing each component to ensure you can meet the required standards.

Written Exam (POST)

Candidates passing the physical fitness assessment will advance to the written exam on the same day. Each candidate must pass the Police Officer Selection Test (POST). The POST is a timed basic skills test divided into four sections. The specific sections are basic arithmetic, reading comprehension, grammar/spelling/punctuation, and writing skills. Scores received from another agency POST may be used if completed within the previous 12 months and approved by Standard and Associates. 

Practice tests can be found here: 

https://www.applytoserve.com/study/

http://www.tests.com/practice/police-test

Oral Board Interviews

Candidates passing the POST will sit before a Civil Service Commission interview panel. Those scoring 70% or higher will be certified to the civil service list.

Veteran's Points are awarded in accordance with Iowa law. Five points will be awarded to candidates who successfully pass the scored civil phase of the selection process and who supply their DD214.

Command Staff Interview

Candidates may be invited to discuss their candidacy with command staff. This is also a time to learn more about the Grinnell Police Department.

Conditional Offer of Employment

After careful review and consideration of applicant test scores and oral board interviews, selected candidates are given a "Conditional Offer of Employment". These candidates are invited to continue in the selection process and complete the remaining test phases.

Background Investigation

Selected candidates will advance to the Background Investigation phase. During the Background, a candidate's references, employers, schools, co-workers, and other sources are contacted and interviewed by an investigator.

Polygraph or Voice Stress Analysis Examination

Candidates during the background phase will be administered either a polygraph or voice stress analysis examination. Emphasis is placed on illegal drug use/abuse, detected and undetected criminal conduct, and misrepresentation of information given during the previous phases.

Psychological Evaluation

Candidates successfully passing the background phase are required to complete the Minnesota Multi-Phasic Personality Inventory (MMPI). The MMPI consists of 567 true/false questions. Candidates are scheduled with a psychologist where the MMPI is scored and evaluated. The psychologist will make a hiring recommendation based on the results of the MMPI and an interview.

Medical Examination

Candidates successfully passing the psychological evaluation will be scheduled with an occupational medicine physician. The physician will determine if the candidate is physically able to perform the duties of a law enforcement officer.

Final Offer

Final offers of employment are extended to candidates who successfully complete the selection process.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

Once a candidate has accepted the final offer of employment and has been appointed by the Grinnell City Council, the candidate must pass Basic Training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) to become a fully certified peace officer. The ILEA is located at Camp Dodge in Johnston, Iowa and runs Monday through Friday. Officers are dismissed over the weekends. Officers must complete the ILEA and achieve certification within one year of appointment. Candidates will have to pass the physical fitness assessment at the ILEA prior to their academy start date.

Additional Questions?

If you have a question that is not answered in the material provided, you may contact Grinnell Police Department's Administrative Assistant at 641-236-2670 ext. 3226 (wsimmons@grinnelliowa.gov) or Captain Dan Johnson at 641-236-2670 ext. 3212 (djohnson@grinnelliowa.gov).