• Police academy education and training in the state of Iowa.Police image by Zeno from Fotolia.com
  
  Police officers are responsible for enforcing laws and protecting people and property from criminal acts. The specific duties of a police officer depend on rank, but police officers investigate crimes, direct traffic, write speeding tickets, respond to emergency situations, resolve disputes and arrest criminals. The state of Iowa offers police academy training at the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy, Cedar Rapids Police Academy, Department of Public Safety and Iowa Department of Public Safety Basic Training Academy. According to Indeed.com, as of 2010, the average salary for a police officer in the state of Iowa is $56,000 per year.
  
  

General Requirements

• Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, have an Iowa driver's license and be a resident of the state upon being employed. Thorough background checks are conducted on each candidate, and each individual must be found to have strong moral character and have no prior felony convictions. Applicants also must undergo a psychological test to determine if they have the mental capacity to handle the rigors of a career in law enforcement.
  
  

Education

• All applicants must have a high school diploma or GED certificate upon entering the police academy. Iowa police academies require that applicants pass a Basic Skills test that examines their cognitive abilities, problem-solving skills and critical thinking. The academy also encourages applicants to complete an associate or bachelor degree in police science or criminal justice upon enrollment.
  
  

Physical Exams

• Applicants are required to undergo drug testing and cannot be addicted to any sort of drug or alcohol substance. The Iowa police academies also conduct hearing and vision tests on every candidate. Applicants must have at least 20/100 in both eyes, which can be corrected to 20/20 with glasses or contacts. Hearing aids are acceptable, as long as applicants can demonstrate hearing proficiency. All applicants are examined by a doctor or physician to ensure they do not suffer from any conditions that could prevent them from performing the duties of a police officer. Applicants must also pass a physical fitness test that determines if they have the necessary strength and endurance to work as a police officer.