Police Officer
City of Cedar Rapids
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Join Our Team - Protect and Serve Your Community
Are you ready to make a real impact in your community? We're looking for dedicated individuals to join our dynamic police force and help us maintain safety and security in the City of Cedar Rapids. If you're passionate about law enforcement and committed to making a positive difference, we want to hear from you. To learn about our Police Officer selection process please review our Career Information Packet. Additional information can be found on the Cedar Rapids Police Department Employment webpage.About our Organization
At the City, we are committed to employing individuals who reflect our community’s diverse backgrounds and this position is crucial in the success and strategic direction of a growing and evolving community. We appreciate and leverage the vast experience individuals bring beyond the technical requirements of a job. If you are an individual with similar experience listed here please consider applying. Experience and skills combined with commitment to our core values is key to building a greater community now and for the next generation.
About our Community
Nestled in the heart of Iowa, Cedar Rapids is our vibrant and diverse community known for its rich history, culture, and natural beauty. Our city has a strong sense of community which can be seen at any of our numerous parks, recreational opportunities, and family-friendly events year round. You can also explore our thriving downtown district, filled with shops, restaurants, and entertainment options, or take a stroll along the Cedar River, which runs through the heart of the city. Cedar Rapids - Why you should live here!
About this Opportunity
Police Officers provide direct services in the enforcement of the law, maintenance of public order, control of traffic in City streets by the performance of surveillance, intervention, arrest, direction of emergency activities or a variety of related acts.
The City of Cedar Rapids does not offer sponsorship for employment authorization.
This position is subject to Policy 1.10-- Residency Requirements:
Designated sworn employees are required to live in a location within 50 driving miles from the Cedar Rapids Police Station. Newly hired sworn employees are required to live within the residency area within three months from the date of employment. The department head may grant an additional three months if the employee provides documentation of financial commitment to move within the residency area. -
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
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Job Duties & Responsibilities
- Patrols City streets;
- Responds to calls for police assistance or service;
- Directs traffic where needed;
- Provides emergency assistance to ill or injured citizens;
- Arrests law violators; testifies in judicial proceedings;
- Maintains custody of prisoners;
- Makes reports;
- Conducts initial investigation of alleged criminal conduct;
- Maintains order in crowds;
- Advises public on laws in force;
- Enforces traffic laws, issues citations where indicated;
- Investigates suspicious persons or activities;
- Records, stores, and is responsible for evidence for future court cases, and lost items that have been found and turned in by members of the general public;
- Attends roll-calls;
- Attends training sessions;
- Other duties as assigned;
- Performs all work duties and activities in accordance with City policies, procedures and safety practices;
- Attends work regularly at the designated place and time;
- Supports continuous process improvement initiatives;
- Performs related work as required.
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Qualifications
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New Officer Compensation
Police Officers are covered under the Police Bargaining Union collective bargaining agreement (Download PDF reader). All new police officer hires begin employment at step 1 (minimum) of the wage scale.New Hire 1 year 2 years 3 years 4 years 5 years 6 years 7 years 8 years 9 years 10 years $34.72 $36.15 $37.56 $39.05 $40.62 $42.27 $43.93 $45.67 $47.51 $49.43 $51.67
Lateral Transfers
Certified law enforcement officers who work for another Iowa agency or who work outside the State of Iowa are accepted as lateral transfers. (To be eligible to apply as a candidate for the lateral hire program, the applicant must have been a full-time certified peace officer without a break of not more than 180 days from law enforcement service when hired by the CRPD. The hiring date will be based on the first day of actual employment with the CRPD.) Lateral transfers are hired at our pay step consistent with the total number of years of service as a Certified Peace Officer. Upon completion of the probationary period, lateral officers will begin accruing flex time at the rate corresponding to their total continuous certified years of service. Please review the Career Information Packet for more information.
Hiring Potential
The Cedar Rapids Police Department is hiring for multiple vacancies with an anticipated start date of June 2, 2027.
Application Instructions
All interested candidates must complete an electronic application for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids by January 7, 2027 at 11:59pm (23:59). In order for an application to be complete, candidates must consent to authorize the Cedar Rapids Police to conduct a background check as outlined within the application. Candidates who do not complete this section of the electronic application, or provide a signed copy of the authorization form will not be moved forward to the testing process.
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Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Statement
The City of Cedar Rapids is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All job applicants will receive consideration for employment free from discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age (40 or older), disability and genetic information (including family medical history).
Applicants with Disabilities
We respect and value people with disabilities and are committed to providing a workplace culture of disability inclusion. People with disabilities are supported during the hiring process and are encouraged to apply for employment with the City of Cedar Rapids. In support of the Americans with Disabilities Act, reasonable accommodations will be provided to those in need of assistance with the application and interview process. To request an accommodation, contact the City's Human Resources department by phone at 319-286-5000 or by email at hr@cedar-rapids.org.
At the City of Cedar Rapids, we offer benefits and beyond for our employees and their families! The Cedar Rapids Police Department offers competitive pay, exceptional benefits, opportunities for professional growth, and a rewarding career serving our community.
Competitive Pay & Financial Incentives
- Competitive salary with annual step increases:
- Starting salary:$34.72/hour
- After 1 year:$36.15/hour
- After 5 years:$42.27/hour
- After 10 years:$51.67/hour
- Fiscal-year pay increases as determined by the bargaining contract.
- Longevity pay eligibility after five years of continuous service.
- 457 Deferred Compensation Program with an employer match of up to 0.5% of annual income per calendar year.
- Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility. Qualifying employees may have the remaining balance of their eligible Direct Loans forgiven after making 120 qualifying monthly payments while employed full-time by a qualifying employer. Learn more about PSLF.
Health, Wellness & Insurance
- Medical insurance with 90% City coverage and 10% employee responsibility for participating providers.
- Dental and vision insurance.
- Long-term disability insurance.
- 100% City-paid basic life insurance.
- Voluntary and supplemental life insurance options.
- Flexible Spending Accounts for health care and dependent care expenses.
- Access to private health and wellness coaching partnerships.
- Peer support resources for officers.
Retirement & Long-Term Financial Security
- Excellent retirement benefits through the Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System of Iowa (MFPRSI). Click here to view the MFPRSI benefit flyer or visit www.mfprsi.org. (Download PDF reader)
- City retirement contributions of 21.859% and employee contributions of 9.675%.
- Vested after four years of service.
- Retirement eligibility at age 55 with 22 years of service.
Paid Time Off & Family Benefits
- 12 paid holidays annually.
- Paid leave accrued monthly, ranging from 16.7 to 30 hours/month based on years of service.
- Four weeks of City-paid parental leave.
Professional Development & Career Advancement
- Up to $3,000 annually in educational assistance.
- Strong commitment to ongoing professional development and training.
- Numerous opportunities for specialized assignments, professional growth, leadership development, and career advancement.
Police Academy Training
- Receive full pay throughout the 18-week CRPD Regional Academy.
- Academy schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Return home each evening and enjoy weekends free.
- Gain valuable knowledge, skills, and professional development in a supportive learning environment.
Specialized Assignments & Career Opportunities
The Cedar Rapids Police Department offers much more than a traditional patrol career. Officers have opportunities to explore specialized assignments, develop new skills, and serve the community in a variety of ways, including:
- School Resource Officer / College Resource Officer
- Police Community Action Team (PCAT)
- Special Response Team (SRT)
- K9 Officer
- Hazardous Devices Unit (HDU)
- Police PAL
- Field Training Officer
- Honor Guard
- Mental Health Unit
- Criminal Investigations
- Crime Scene Unit
- Mobile Assist Team (MAT)
- Narcotics
- Task Force Officer
- Bicycle Patrol Officer
- Crisis Negotiator
- Specialized training and instructor opportunities
Build a career, make a difference, and grow with the Cedar Rapids Police Department!
For additional details, explore the City of Cedar Rapids Police Bargaining Benefits Summaries
Job ID: 101382
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