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The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Purpose
- Upgrade law enforcement to professional status
- Maximize training opportunities for law enforcement officers
- Coordinate training and to set standards for the law enforcement services
Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) offers a 16-week Basic Academy for new recruits. It also offers specialty schools and refresher training courses for law enforcement officers.
Back to topUpcoming Basic Academy Dates
317th and 318th Basic Classes: August 26, 2024 β December 13, 2024
319th and 320th Basic Classes: January 6, 2025 β April 25, 2025
321st and 322nd Basic Classes: May 5, 2025 - August 22, 2025
323rd and 324th Basic Classes: Sept 2, 2025 - December 19, 2025
Back to topBasic Academy
New officers attend Basic Academy training after being hired by an agency. They can also be sponsored by an agency in the state of Iowa. Prior to attending, recruits must pass the physical entrance test.
At the Academy, recruits will train Monday through Friday and return home for the weekend.
After 16 weeks of training, recruits graduate. The state recognizes them as police officers.
Back to topEligibility
ILEA only accepts applicants for the Basic Academy who have been hired by a law enforcement agency in the state of Iowa. There is no general admission to the Basic Academy.
Back to topCurriculum
The Basic Academy is 639 hours over 16 weeks. For more detailed topic areas and hour requirements, please see the Curriculum page.
Sponsorship
Sponsorship is an option for application to the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy. ILEA accepts students not yet hired by agencies. Agencies can sponsor recruits through the Basic Academy. Please contact ILEA for details.
Back to topMinimum Hiring Requirement Testing
The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy offers minimum hiring requirement testing for agencies. Testing conducted by ILEA includes; Physical fitness testing, cognitive testing and psychological testing. Testing is administered at ILEA on the first and third Tuesdays of each month.
Additionally, ILEA assists sheriffsβ offices and civil service commissions with promotional testing for sworn personnel.
If you need assistance in ordering testing, please call (515) 331-5778.
The Iowa Law Enforcement Academy can make referrals and provide a list of mental health professionals who are experienced in working with law enforcement officers in handling problems both on and off-duty. This includes exposure to critical incidents, chemical dependency problems, marital difficulties, etc. These clinicians can perform Fitness for Duty Assessments and critical incident stress debriefings.
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