Hunter
07/03/23
Iowa’s administrative system for hiring law enforcement officers is meant to weed out applicants who have any record of crimes of moral turpitude. However, many applicants are requesting waivers to become part of local police and sheriff’s offices.
The Gazette reports that exceptions can be granted by a 13-member Iowa Law Enforcement Academy Council, featuring representatives from state law enforcement organizations, representatives from police departments throughout the state and citizen representatives.
Although the requests are still rare, the numbers are growing. Five years ago, there were only three requests for waivers with only one of those granted. So far this year, 15 requests have been submitted, with 12 granted.
The increases come as law enforcement departments are facing difficulties with recruiting and retaining officers.
A check of records by the Gazette showed that the council approved a waiver request each for Johnson and Linn County sheriff’s offices in June of last year. The Cedar Rapids Police Department made two waiver requests this June that were approved. One was for an applicant with two public intoxication convictions, while the other was convicted for possession of a weapon while under the influence last year.