Des Moines begins the search for a new police chief. How does the process work?

The job posting for the next police chief of Iowa’s capital city is expected to be released next month, Des Moines city officials say.

The Des Moines Civil Service Commission on Tuesday approved the start of the process of recruiting the successor to Des Moines Police Chief Dana Wingert, who will retire this year after nearly a decade at the helm of the department and more than three decades in law enforcement. Under Iowa Code, the commission oversees the appointment, firing and discipline of officials such as police and fire chiefs, firefighters and constables.

Wingert, 54, is expected to leave his position in October, Allison Lambert, senior human resources business partner, told the commission on Tuesday. The exact date has not yet been announced, however. The hiring process could take three to four months, Lambert said.

The Des Moines Police Department serves a population of more than 211,000 people. With 379 sworn officers and 98 civilian employees, the police department is the largest in the state of Iowa.

Here’s what you should know about the search for Des Moines’ next police chief:

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