Spring 2026 Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship Print (https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/iowa/jobs/newprint/5066062) Apply  Spring 2026 Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship Salary $0.00 Hourly Location Des Moines - 50313 - Polk County, IA Job Type Internship Job Number 26-00493 Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Opening Date 09/05/2025 Closing Date 9/28/2025 11:59 PM Central LinkedIn Tag #LI-DNP Point of Contact Kyle Rich (dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us) To Apply Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume to their NeoGov application + Description + Benefits + Questions Job Description This is a non-merit, non-paid internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)? This program is designed to provide a real life, unpaid, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will be exposed to various divisions and bureaus within DPS while gaining understanding of their operational structures and while fulfilling academic requirements through your university. During the internship program, you will have the opportunity to interact with leadership and personnel from all 7 DPS Divisions, your fellow interns, and DPS retirees. Group projects and daily logs will be assigned throughout the internship. You can expect to become acquainted with the operations surrounding all Divisions within the Department of Public Safety: + Division of Criminal Investigation + State Fire Marshal + Division of Narcotics Enforcement + Professional Development and Support Services + Division of Intelligence + Iowa State Patrol + Criminalistics Laboratory + and many support roles As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you as either a sworn officer or civilian employee. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department. Qualifications/Requirements + 18 years old + Current college student or near graduation + US Citizen + In good standing with college/university + Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation + Open to applicants currently living in Iowa or within 25 miles of the Iowa boarder. + Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date) + Law Enforcement career focus Program Location/Length/Hours: + Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety. + The internship program is 7-8 weeks long and will cover 140 hours. + We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution. + Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division. + Point of contact: dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us + Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application. Start Your Career: I f you have already decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, we are accepting applications for our 55th Basic Academy through January 9, 2026 . Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset – our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes: Competitive Compensation: Enjoy a competitive salary that reflects directly on your skills and expertise. Keep in mind, your wage is just one part of your total compensation. Unlock the complete value of your employment with the State of Iowa by using our user-friendlyTotal Compensation Calculator (https://das.iowa.gov/media/3773/download?inline) .Gain insights into your comprehensive annual compensation, including salary and State-provided benefits. Health and Wellness: Prioritize your well-being with our comprehensive health plans, including medical, dental, and vision coverage. Enjoy the peace of mind knowing that the State of Iowa covers 90% of the premiums, providing you and your loved ones with excellent coverage at a remarkably low cost. Retirement Planning: We are proud to offer the Iowa Public Employees Retirement System (IPERS). A defined benefit plan, IPERS benefits are guaranteed for life, meaning once you retire, you will receive the same monthly benefit for the remainder of your life (once vested). We invest in your long-term financial well-being, so you can retire with peace of mind.Click here to learn more about IPERS (https://ipers.org/members) . Paid Time Off: Life is unpredictable, and at the State of Iowa, we understand the importance of work-life balance. Our leave policies, including paid holidays, vacation, and sick leave with unlimited accrual, ensure you have the flexibility you need for personal and family matters. Professional Development: Elevate your career with continuous learning opportunities. We support your growth through training programs, workshops, and tuition reimbursement. Employee Assistance Program (EAP): We care about your well-being beyond the workplace. Access confidential counseling, resources, and support through our Employee Assistance Program. Diversity and Inclusion: Be part of a diverse and inclusive workplace that embraces all backgrounds and perspectives. We believe diversity is a strength that drives innovation. Join Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa?Click here (https://iowa.attract.neogov.com/recruitment/p/benefits) to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority! 01 Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely.Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question.Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa. + Yes - I understand and agree. + No 02 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq? + No - I have NOT filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq + Yes - I HAVE filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. §611 et seq 03 Please refer to the map in the posting to indicate up to two locations where you are interested in serving the internship + Osceola + Council Bluffs + Denison + Cherokee + Spencer + Mason City + Fort Dodge + Cedar Falls + Oelwein + Stockton + Cedar Rapids + Mount Pleasant + Des Moines Required Question Employer State of Iowa Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St Des Moines, Iowa, 50319 Website https://dps.iowa.gov/ Apply Please verify your email addressVerify Email