Police Lieutenant

The City of Clear Lake Police Department (CLPD) is seeking an individual to serve as Police Lieutenant within the patrol division. This is a key management and leadership position for the Police Department and is part of the Department’s Command Staff. The Police Lieutenant acts as a first line field supervisor for the Department. The Police Lieutenant supervises/directs the activities of Police Officers and other assigned non-sworn personnel and reports to the Patrol Division Commander or Police Chief.

 

Duties include but are not limited to: supervising an assigned shift; plan, monitor, and organize police resources; ensuring certification compliance for police officers; evaluating programs and program activities; coordinating departmental training; identifying and recommending improvements for streamlining division activities. The Lieutenant promotes and maintains our current positive, proactive workplace environment while strengthening community relationships

 

The City:

Located in Cerro Gordo County Iowa, Clear Lake is a vibrant, progressive city lying on a 3,600-acre natural lake. The community is rich in recreational, entertainment, art, and cultural opportunities, with a flourishing downtown business district. Several new housing projects are in the works ranging from multifamily apartments to single family homes. A new 81,000 square feet Clear Lake Athletic & Wellness (CLAW) Center opened in 2022. In 2025 the Surf’s Music Enrichment Center opened featuring interactive exhibits about American music. Significant resources have been invested and continue to be dedicated to building and maintaining a thriving tourist-driven economy and creating new opportunities for those that call Clear Lake home.

 

Located just 120 miles south of Minneapolis and 110 miles north of Des Moines on I-35, Clear Lake is a North Iowa premier tourist destination and hosts many large events year-round both on and off the lake.

 

The Department:

CLPD is a full-service law enforcement agency, which includes a dispatch center. The Chief’s command staff consists of one Captain, three Lieutenants (patrol), and one civilian support supervisor. In addition to the command staff, the department consists of 11 sworn officers, six full-time Dispatchers, a full-time records clerk and two part-time staff. The department has an authorized strength of 26 employees, with an expectation to add an additional sworn officer during fiscal year 2027.

 

The Department enjoys a reputation for being progressive and innovative and welcomes employee input. The department has a full-time narcotics investigator, full-time general crimes investigator, a K9 program, and modern technology such as an ALPR program. CLPD is dedicated to performing its duties in a professional and sensitive manner. The Department prides itself on being a professional proactive organization that maintains high standards to best serve the public.

 

 

 

Education & Experience:

Four years of law enforcement experience is required, with demonstration of progression in responsibilities. A minimum of an associate’s degree or 60 semester hours from an accredited college or university in the topics of Criminal Justice, Police Science, Public Administration, or related field is required within six months of appointment. A bachelor’s degree is preferred in the same fields of study. The full job description is available upon request.

 

Residency:

Reside within a one-hour response time to the police station within six months of employment.

 

Licensing Requirements:

Position requires an Iowa Law Enforcement Academy (ILEA) Certification as a Peace Officer or ability to obtain certification within six months of employment. Possess and maintains an Iowa Peace Officer Permit to Carry Weapons, as well as obtain and maintain all required licenses and certifications as required by policy and Iowa law. Must possess a valid Iowa Driver’s License upon employment.

 

Compensation:

Starting wage set at $45.66/hr ($94,972.80) with planned step increases and cost of living adjustments equaling a projected wage of $51.50/hr ($107,120.00) after approximately 18 months of employment. This position is eligible for overtime. The Department offers a lucrative fringe benefits package which includes no cost family health insurance.

 

Application Process:

Applications will be accepted from both internal and external candidates. All applicants should submit a City Employment Application, cover letter, and resume either electronically or by mail. All applications should be received by 8 a.m. on April 29, 2026. An initial candidate review is expected to be completed during the week of May 4, 2026.

 

Applications may be downloaded at: www.cityofclearlake.com Please submit completed application packets to:

Michael Colby, Chief of Police

Clear Lake Police Department

511 1st Ave N.

Clear Lake, IA 50428

mcolby@cityofclearlake.org

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

EOE/ADA/M/F/V