Here are some of the most commonly asked questions about the Police Division. If you do not find what you are looking for, please call (515) 294-4428 or email isupolice@iastate.edu.
Are DPS officers REAL police?
Yes. ISU Police officers attend the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy just like any other officer in the state. They are certified, sworn law enforcement officers. All officers go through 80 hours of mandatory in-service training each year.
Can an ISU Police officer write me a ticket or arrest me?
Yes. As state certified officers, ISU Police officers can write tickets and have powers of arrest according to the Code of Iowa.
What happens if I am arrested?
Most people arrested by ISU Police are released on a citation. This means you sign a ticket and can go. Depending on the seriousness of the charge, you may be held at the Story County Justice Center in Nevada.
Where is DPS located?
The ISU Police Division is located in Room 55 of the Armory (map). We are on the NW corner of the building. Our mailing address is 55 Armory, Ames, IA 50011.
When are you open?
The ISU Police Division is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We never close.
Can I get a copy of an accident or incident report I filed?
Reports can be obtained by calling our records clerk at 294-9239. There is a $5.00 fee for this service.
Where can I pay a traffic ticket?
Traffic tickets are handled through the Clerk of Court’s Office. If you simply want to pay the ticket, and an appearance is not required, then you can either mail or take the appropriate copy of the ticket, plus the payment, to the Clerk of Court’s Office, 515 Clark Ave., Ames, IA 50010. If the ticket was issued outside the Ames area, there should be a corresponding address for the local Clerk of Court’s Office near the top of the citation. Send the ticket, plus the fine to that address.
Is ISU Police hiring new officers?
DPS actively recruits new officers to become part of ISU Police. Applications may be filled out in in the Human Resource Office or on their employment web site.
Does DPS hire students?
DPS hires several students to supplement the department’s staff. The Department usually employs around 100 students as Student Officers, Community Service Officers, Parking Enforement Officers, Parking Office Assistants, Student Dispatchers and other various postitions. Find out more about Student Employment at DPS.
Does DPS do fingerprinting?
Yes. Just come to our office and explain what you need. We are available to fingerprint 24 hours a day. There is no charge for this service . We only fingerprint for USDA employment and teaching certificates. We DO NOT fingerprint for other employment security checks or for Immigration Services. Please bring the appropriate forms with you and have them filled out in advance. You will also need a photo ID.
Do I need to register my bike to ride on campus?
All bikes on campus need to be registered. By registering your bike, you will help us in locating the owner should the bike be stolen and later recovered. Registered bikes are less likely to be stolen than unregistered bikes. Bikes may be registered FREE at the DPS Parking Office, or you can register online.
How can I get a hold of other law enforcement agencies?
The numbers for other law enforcement agencies near the ISU campus are:
- Ames Police Department: (515) 239- 5133;
- Story County Sheriff’s Department: (515) 382-6566;
- Iowa State Patrol (Des Moines): (515) 281-3561;
- Road Reports: (515) 288-1047.
