Two new recruits for the Jefferson Police Department and the Greene County Sheriff’s office are at the midway point to becoming fully certified officers through the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy.

However, both law enforcement agencies are looking to hire an additional person. Former Deputy Adam Peters no longer works for the Sheriff’s office and five-year officer Kyle DeMoss recently became a water operator for the City of Jefferson. Sheriff Jack Williams explains the hiring process that he goes through.

“Obviously first the application, background checks, then they have a MMPI (Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory) which is a mental competence testing by a psychologist at the (Iowa Law Enforcement) Academy. Then they have to take the post-test which is a general math, English and grammar (where) you read a paragraph and have to remember it and answer questions about it. And then the physical agility (test).”

Police Chief Mark Clouse points out a couple of items he prefers in a potential candidate.

“We would like to hire a state of Iowa certified officer. You don’t have to be certified to apply with our department. A college degree in criminal justice or police sciences is helpful, it is not required, but it is helpful.”

Police officer Caleb Jans and Greene County Deputy Christopher Freshe are expected to graduate from the Academy in four-weeks.

Applications are open until September 22nd.