Des Moines Police Department
How to Contact the DMPD

Back to
DMPSO911.com
Main Page

The City of Des Moines no longer operates a jail facility. All prisoners are taken immediately to the Polk County Jail. Polk County Jail number is 515-286-3801.

The largest Division of the Des Moines Police Department is Patrol Services. Des Moines "black and whites" roll 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Questions about any facet of the uniformed operation can be obtained by calling 515-283-4836, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After hours call 515-283-4811.

Following are commonly asked questions and answers received by the Des Moines Police Department. 

Q. How do I hire an off-duty officer?

A. The current hourly rate for off-duty officers is $35.00 an hour with a three hour minimum. SPO Stewart Drake is the contact person at 515-237-1544 (24-hour voice mail).

Q. How do I make a donation to the Police Association?

A. Checks can be mailed to the Des Moines Police Department at #25 East First Street, Des Moines, Iowa 50309, c/o Treasurer Sgt. John Meeker.

Q. Where can I find out if a particular person is in jail?

A. All arrestee's are taken directly to the Polk County Jail, information may be obtained by calling 515-286-3804.

Q. Where do I need to send a check for a traffic ticket?

A. Send payment for moving violations to the Polk County Clerk of Traffic Court, Polk County Courthouse, 5th & Mulberry, Des Moines, IA 50309.

Send payment for non-moving violations (parking tickets) to the City Clerk, City Hall, 400 Locust, Des Moines, IA  50309

Q. Where can I get a State accident report?

A. If the combined damage in an accident is over $1,000, or if there are injuries, the accident most be reported to the State of Iowa. The report may be picked up in the lobby of the Police Station 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Q. If the police were not called to an accident, and I call later because I am experiencing problems, will they make a report at that time?

A. Generally, no.

Q. I'm moving into a certain neighborhood and want to know what the crime statistics are. Can I acquire that information?

A. Yes. The DMPSO911.com website has detailed crime statistic maps with a breakdown of crime statistics by area. A summary of the past 30 days' crime statistics is always available. Click here to view current crime stats for the City of Des Moines.

Q. Who are the tow companies for the Des Moines Police Department?

A. Owen Crist Autobody, 1221 Keosauqua Way, 515-244-2171
American Towing, Inc., 2114 SE 14th Street, 515-284-1122

Q. Where is the Des Moines Police Academy?

A. The Des Moines Police Academy is located at 433 SE Army Post Road. Phone: 515-256-2560. Questions about application or recruitment can be obtained at this number.

Q. Where is the Des Moines Police Traffic Unit?

A. Traffic Unit is located in the prior Pizza Hut building, at 3102 Forest Avenue in Des Moines. Phone: 515-271-4650.

Q. Where is the Animal Control Unit?

A. Animal Control is located at 1615 SE 14th Street, Des Moines. Phone: 515-242-2720.

Q. Where do I go to file a complaint against a Des Moines Police Officer?

A. Officer complaints are handled by the Office of Professional Standards, located on the first floor of the Police Station. Phone: 515-283-4816.

Q. Where do I call to get bicycle, property, and vehicle auction dates?

A. The property Management Section is responsible for coordinating and conducting police auctions. Phone: 515-283-4850.

^ Back to Top

Chief of Police • Inside the DMPD • Police Union • "Cop Talk" • Links • Contact Us • Home

Uniform Division • Criminal Investigations Division • Administrative Services Division
Crime Statistics • Metro's Most Wanted • Officers in the News • Stupid Criminal Stories
Political Arena • Recreation Facility • DMPD Merchandise • Classified Ads

Copyright © 2001 Captain Jack Communications