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Military To Police
The Iowa Department of Public Safety is a proud partner of the United States of America Department of Defense SkillBridge Program.
SkillBridge
This program offers military members an opportunity to work closely with the Iowa Department of Public Safety and its members providing real-world training and work experience in the law enforcement field. Â This program is available to military service members who have 180 days or fewer of service remaining prior to their date of military discharge.
- Active-duty military members within 180 days of separation
- Those who have completed their Transition Assistance Program (TAP) requirements
- Service members with command approval. DHS SkillBridge participants MUST apply AT LEAST 11 months from separation to complete DHS HR application processes before their military separation regardless of the duration of the opportunity.
- DHS SkillBridge internships range from 91120 days
- DHS CBP & ICE positions are exempt from the federal hiring freeze
All police officer candidates must be at least 20.5 years of age. Have a high school diploma or GED equivalent. Be generally physically fit. Hold United States citizenship, OR have legal permanent residency in the U.S., OR be a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipient. Be able to get a Washington State Driver’s License after hire.
To apply, please submit your resume, most recent college transcripts (including the fall semester’s grades), and a cover letter indicating the specific forensic discipline you are interested in to [email protected] by February 6th, 2025. Please ensure your transcripts are as up to date as possible, including the fall 2024 semester’s grades, to aid in making our selections. Typical candidates often have partially or nearly completed some sort of college level science degree. All materials must be received in order to be considered.
Skillbridge Training Program
Service members must start the application process at least one year or 6 months prior to their ETS date. This is depending on the training program they are eligible for.
- Become a sworn Iowa DPS Trooper at completion
- 30-180 days Skillbridge program, depending on approval
Why SkillBridge
Mission-Focused
Continue your commitment to national security in a civilian role.
Hands-On Experience
Work alongside law enforcement professionals and develop real-world skills.
Post-Service Employment Potential
Many SkillBridge participants go on to fulltime federal employment.
Location Options
Positions available nationwide, including inperson and hybrid opportunities.
Available Skillbridge Roles
Various sworn officer and civilian roles for experience offered within the Skillbridge Program.
Support investigations by analyzing patterns, intelligence, and crime data to disrupt criminal networks.
Provide critical support to frontline operations, inspections, and border enforcement activities.
Facilitate the secure exchange of law enforcement data across agencies.
Monitor border activity and assist with enforcement coordination across regional sectors.
Manage the custody, documentation, and disposal of seized assets in support of federal investigations.
Manage the custody, documentation, and disposal of seized assets in support of federal investigations.
