Police
Altoona is Iowa’s entertainment destination, located in eastern Polk County. The Altoona Police Department proudly serves a community of 20,000 residents, along with those that work, visit, shop and play here. We are well-trained and experienced in protecting citizens and property, preventing crime, and having fun.
MISSION STATEMENT
Community Involvement and Customer Service.
VISION
As Guardians, we serve to help make the City of Altoona be the place of choice to live, work, play and grow in Iowa.
VALUE
The members of the Altoona Police Department promote Courage, Unselfishness and Dependability in all we do. We build leaders and foster an environment of collaboration.
POLICE, FIRE, OR MEDICAL EMERGENCY: 9-1-1
Non-emergency calls (515) 967-5132 (press 1) and police administration (press 3)
Police can now show residents and businesses of this city the crimes that are happening in their neighborhood. This information is available by a free, public accessible website called CrimeMapping.com. The site is easy to navigate. By clicking on the state of Iowa on the map, a user can see a list of agencies using Crime Mapping. After choosing Altoona, a map of the city will appear populated by icons showing recent crimes, which are generally updated every 72 hours. Clicking on each icon will show incident description, date, time, location (rounded-off to the hundred block), and links to websites such as Polk County Crime Stoppers and the police department Facebook page. Results can be filtered by crime type and date range as well as generated in reports such as charts and lists. The system even allows for free e-mail subscriptions in the form of Crime Alerts, which let subscribers know when a new crime has taken place in their area. Crime mapping provides a powerful communication channel for the Altoona Police Department.
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow do I obtain a copy of a police record?
For records requests, contact the Records Division of the Police Department at (515) 967-5132 (press 3 when prompted) or come by the Police Department (900 Venbury Dr., Ste. B) between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. It is recommended to call in advance to verify a report is completed and available. Printed case reports are $5.00 (cash or check). Should you need other media (video, photos, etc.), the cost varies. Call for details.
Does the Altoona Police Department provide non-criminal fingerprinting services?
Yes, but by appointment only. In general, appointments are available during the week, with both morning and afternoon availability. The fee for fingerprinting is $20.00 per person (for up to 3 cards; $10 per additional card). We ask that you fill-out your fingerprint card(s) prior to arriving for your appointment. If you were not given fingerprint cards to bring with you, we can provide them. Call us at (515) 967-5132 (press 3 when prompted) to reach our administrative clerks and set an appointment.
Is it possible to have criminal background checks on my employees?
No, not at the Altoona Police Department. If you or your employer need a criminal background check completed, state law allows only the Division of Criminal Investigation to do this for you. You may access the DCI website here for more information.
If my keys are locked in my vehicle, can the Altoona Police open my vehicle for me?
Yes, but with the verbal understanding that the department is not liable for any damage, should it occur.
I am going on vacation. Can the police check my home from time to time while I am gone?
Yes! Stop by the police department and fill-out a Vacation House Check form. We’ll put you on our special watch list.
Are there any services available if I am the victim of crime?
Yes, there are a number of services available. Polk County Crisis and Advocacy Service may be able to help. For more information you can access their website by clicking here.
Also, if you are the victim or witness of a crime committed by an alien who is incarcerated, you can sign up to be notified by Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) and US Immigration and Enforcement (ICE) when the criminal alien is released from custody. To learn about the program, other services, or to sign-up, click here.
If you are the victim of identity theft or other consumer fraud, there are a number of resources available from the website of the Federal Trade Commission. Their website is here.
How do I apply to become a police officer?
If you’re interested in law enforcement and would like to apply to become a certified peace officer with the City of Altoona, watch this site. We will announce when there are openings and when we can accept applications. Sorry, but we do not accept unsolicited applications.