Grinnell Police Department

About the Grinnell Police Department

The Grinnell Police Department proudly serves a population of 9,564, which includes approximately 1,600 students who attend Grinnell College. The City of Grinnell is located in Central Iowa, adjacent to U.S. Interstate 80, and approximately 45 miles East of Des Moines, Iowa. For additional information on the city of Grinnell, please visit the Grinnell Chamber Area website. 

Our department is currently comprised of 14 sworn officers and two civilian staff, who provide a vast array of services and programs to the Grinnell community. Our officers are well-trained and experienced in protecting citizens and property, preventing crime, enforcing laws, and maintaining order. 

Mission Statement

The mission of the Grinnell Police Department is to protect and serve the community of Grinnell, providing a peaceful and safe existence, free from fear and with democratic values applied equally to all.

Officers

In addition to the daily dynamic duties and responsibilities of a Grinnell police officer,  other opportunities and specialty areas available to members include: 

• Bike Patrol
• Criminal & Narcotics Investigations
• Crime Prevention
• Traffic Safety
• Central Iowa Regional Tactical Team 
• Subject Matter Instruction
• Supervisory Positions
• Frequent Training Opportunities

Officer Benefits

• Work Schedule - Patrol Officers work a 12 hour tour of duty (6a-6p or 6p-6a), working 7 days every two weeks with every other weekend off.
• Wages:

                                        July 1, 2024                        July 1, 2025 (4%)              July 1, 2026 (4%)

1^st Year                              $32.01                                   $33.29                                  $34.62

After 1^st Year                    $32.58                                  $33.88                                   $35.24

After 2^nd Year                   $33.17                                  $34.50                                  $35.88

After 3^rd Year                    $33.75                                 $35.10                                  $36.50

After 4^th Year                    $34.33                                 $35.70                                   $37.13

After 5^th Year                    $34.97                                 $36.37                                  $37.82

After 6^th Year                    $36.31                                 $37.76                                  $39.27

Lateral Entry Program: Certified officers hired receive half credit for each full year of service as a certified police officer employed with a public safety department.

• Members also receive a competitive health benefit, personal leave and retirement (Municipal Fire and Police Retirement System) package, with the city of Grinnell making significant contributions toward the total personal benefits package.  Patrol officers and investigators are represented by the Chauffers, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union #238.

Additional Information

If you are interested in a rewarding and exciting career in law enforcement please contact the Grinnell Police Department by calling (641) 236-2670.

About Chief Michael McClelland

Chief Michael “Mac” McClelland is an Iowa native, born in Des Moines, Iowa where he graduated from East High School in 1986.  Chief Mac began his law enforcement career after high school, enlisting in the United States Army, serving as a Military Police officer at Ft. Dix, New Jersey.  In 1990 he returned home joining the Iowa Army National Guard and was quickly deployed to support combat operations for Operation Desert Storm, performing POW duties.  Chief Mac attended Grand View University and Drake University’s R.O.T.C. program, where he attained his B.S. in Criminal Justice and his commission as an Army Reserve Officer in 1996. 

After graduation Chief Mac took a position with the Aurora Police Department, Aurora, Colorado, serving 24 years in numerous positions and duties; Patrol, FTO, Traffic, Patrol Sergeant, Police Area Representative/ Foot Patrol Sergeant, Traffic Investigations Sergeant, Lieutenant/Watch Commander, Traffic Section Commander, Honor Guard Commander, Awards Board Chairman, Training Section Commander, Investigative Support Section Commander and Force Review Board member. 

Chief Mac continued his military service in the Iowa and Colorado Army National Guard, deploying to combat in 2003-2004 for Operation Iraqi Freedom, and again in 2010-2011 to Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom.  Chief Mac retired from military service in 2012 at the rank of Major.

Chief McClelland has been married to his wife Mindy, also an Iowa native from Charles City, Iowa, for 24 years.  They have three children Mikey, Max and MacKenzie.