POLICE OFFICER - FALL 2026

About the role

The City of Davenport Police Department is seeking highly motivated and ethical individuals to serve in various roles within the department. The department values diversity and works to ensure that all members bring unique perspectives and skills to their work.

Responsibilities

• Patrols assigned areas for the prevention of crime and enforcement of laws and ordinances.
• Responds to emergency calls and acts to resolve emergency situations.
• Maintains traffic flow and enforces traffic laws.
• Writes detailed incident reports.
• Stops fights and attempts to mediate arguments and disputes.
• Apprehends and arrests suspects in crimes.
• Assists in the investigation of crime scenes, interrogation of suspects, interviewing of witnesses, securing of evidence, serving of legal papers, and providing testimony in court.

Qualifications

• 21 years of age at the time of list certification (December 9, 2026).
• A high school diploma or GED.
• Must be a United States Citizen at the time of the written examination.
• Additional requirements include passing an extensive background check and submitting to a polygraph test.
• Must have the ability to perform the core functions of the position.

Skills

• Good knowledge of the purpose of law enforcement and the criminal justice system.
• Law enforcement procedures, practices, and equipment.
• Applicable city, state, and federal law.
• Obtaining valid information by interview and interrogation.
• Reacting quickly and calmly in emergency situations.
• Using physical strength to restrain, lift, carry, and pursue.
• Using firearms and operating motor vehicles properly and within established guidelines.
• Using good judgment in evaluating situations and making decisions.
• Observing facts and situations analytically and objectively and recording them clearly and completely.
• Expressing oneself clearly orally and in writing.
• Handling situations firmly, courteously, tactfully, and impartially.
• Understanding and carrying out oral and written instructions.
• Gathering, assembling, analyzing, and evaluating evidence; and drawing sound conclusions.

Benefits

• Health insurance, including medical, dental, vision, and prescription drug coverage.
• Pension 457 retirement plan contributions.
• Retirement health savings plan contributions.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• Paid time off.
• Employee assistance program.
• Life insurance.
• Long-term disability.

Total Compensation

For full-time employees, the department offers a comprehensive compensation package including health insurance, pension, and various benefits. The exact details are outlined in the provided documents.

Residency

Residency must be established within 20 miles of the corporate city limits of Davenport, and can include within the State of Illinois. Further information about residency requirements is available on the City of Davenport website.

Lateral Hiring Program

Full-time certified Police Officers who are referred by an existing Davenport Police Officer will receive starting pay commensurate with their sworn and certified law enforcement experience, as well as a bank of sick and vacation leave. Details can be accessed via the provided link.

Iowa Law Enforcement Academy

Hired Police Officers will attend the sixteen-week police academy, which commences on January 4, 2027. The employment start date would be December 21, 2026.