Become A Member of the JPD

The Johnston Police Department is always looking for high-quality candidates to join the force. In 2020, a survey of Johnston residents showed Johnston ranks 27.9% higher than the national average when it comes to overall feelings of safety in the City. We rank 25.4% higher than the national average when it comes to the quality of local police protection and how quickly police respond to emergencies. Ninety-two percent of Johnston residents say they are either satisfied or very satisfied with the quality of local police protection.
Forty years ago, the Johnston Police Department had four full-time officers, including the chief of police, and one part-time officer. Today the city has a force of 32, a population of more than 22,000, and is home to the world headquarters of Corteva and the Iowa National Guard. Our school system consistently ranks among the best in Greater Des Moines.
We have built a strong foundation here at the Johnston Police Department. In August 2014, we moved into the new Public Safety Building located at 6373 Merle Hay Road. It's a $10.6 million facility that voters approved by a wide margin. The building offers our police officers more opportunities for training and the highest quality tools.

Those chosen to be a member of the Johnston Police Department find the highest starting salary of any Greater Des Moines police department. Come see why Johnston has been ranked the Second Safest City in Iowa for two years running.