Iowa has 99 counties in which sheriffs are elected by the voting residents. In fact, sheriffs are the only elected law enforcement officers in the state. They are responsible for carrying out criminal investigations, enforcing county ordinances and state laws, patrolling all areas of the county, responding to disasters and assisting other law enforcement organizations.

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If you want to work as a sheriff in the future, then we would advise you to take a look at this article. This guide will be helpful for you as it outlines how to become a sheriff in Iowa. Working in the capacity of a sheriff will enable you to maintain peace and order in the society.

Requirements to Become a Sheriff in Iowa

In order to be eligible to apply, the applicants have to fulfill the following requirements. Applicant:

  • Should be a legal citizen of the United States
  • Should meet the age and work requirements of their counties
  • Should not have a criminal background
  • Should be in an excellent physical and mental state
  • Should be capable of effective law enforcement

How Long Does It Take to Become a Sheriff in Iowa?

The entire process is made up of the following stages:

Step 1: Serve as a Police Officer

The sheriff position usually requires the candidate to be a certified/licensed police officer, hence it is recommended to graduate from a police academy and serve as a police officer for a couple of years before applying for the sheriff’s position.

Step 2: Obtain Relevant Degree

Candidates are encouraged to get a bachelor’s or a master’s degree in Law Enforcement Administration, Public Safety Administration, Law Enforcement Intelligence or Criminal Justice. This will help the candidates become more knowledgeable in their fields.

Step 3: Pass All Exams and Interviews

Candidates would be expected to clear the written exam, physical exam, interviews, medical exam, background check and the drug screening. They can then move on to the next stage that requires completing the documentation.

Step 4: Run the Campaign

After filing the required documentation and paperwork with the county, the candidates can start preparing for their campaigns. They can use television, radio or print media to get their message across to the residents. After the elections are contested, the candidates who receive the highest votes are sworn in as sheriffs.

Salary of Sheriffs in Iowa

As per the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual mean wage of First Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives in Iowa was $81,800 in May 2018.