Urbandale Police Department

08/31/2026

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated today (8/31/26 at noon through Saturday (9/5), based on forecast temperatures from the National Weather Service. Adjustments may be made based on updated forecasts.
Activation of the plan includes:
• Activation of cooling centers https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/.../extreme-temperature.../
• Weather amnesty conditions at area homeless shelters
• Free access to these locations on DART buses DART
More detailed information and resources are available on the Polk County Emergency Management Agency's website https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/.../extreme-temperature.../

The Polk County Extreme Temperature Plan will be activated today (8/31/26 at noon through Saturday (9/5), based on forecast temperatures from the National Weather Service. Adjustments may be made based on updated forecasts.
Activation of the plan includes:
• Activation of cooling centers https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/.../extreme-temperature.../
• Weather amnesty conditions at area homeless shelters
• Free access to these locations on DART buses DART
More detailed information and resources are available on the Polk County Emergency Management Agency's website https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/emergency-management/our-plans/extreme-temperature-and-sheltering-resources/

08/30/2026

Since 2010, the Urbandale Police Department has been a proud participant in the Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) program – a highly-regarded international law enforcement accrediting body.

As an accredited agency, the Department is committed to continuous improvement, accountability, and compliance with CALEA standards. These CALEA standards include a requirement that each accredited agency connect citizens to a public comment portal for 60 days during each proof year. The purpose of this public portal is to receive comments regarding an agency's compliance with CALEA standards, engagement in the service community, delivery of public safety services, and overall candidacy for accredited status. These comments can be in the form of commendations or concerns. The overall intent of the Accreditation Public Comment Portal is to provide the participating agency with information to support continuous improvement, as well as foster the pursuit of professional excellence.
Citizens can access the Accreditation Public Comment Portal here:
https://www.urbandale.org/1132/CALEA

ABOUT CALEA
Considered the gold standard in public safety, CALEA accreditation provides law enforcement agencies a framework of best practices and standards to ensure accountability within their agencies, reduce liability exposure and promote effective resource management. Only 11 law enforcement agencies in Iowa are CALEA accredited. Accreditation is earned for a four-year period that requires routine assessments that represent an on-going obligation to continue the quest for excellence by achieving compliance to all applicable standards and any future standards.

08/28/2026

🐾🌾Dog lovers, families, and four-legged friends!🐶

Join us tomorrow, Saturday, August 29th, from 9:00 AM–4:00 PM for Fidos on the Farm at Living History Farms ! 🚜🐕
This is a dog-friendly event, so grab the family, leash up your pup, and come enjoy a day of fun on the farm! 🐾

🚓 Be sure to stop by and see Urbandale Police K9 Basco and his handler, Officer Pacheco, who will be there from 9:00–11:00 AM!
🐕‍🦺 Don’t miss Basco in action during a special K9 demonstration at 10:30 AM! 🚨

It’s going to be a paw-some day filled with family fun, furry friends, wagging tails, and a chance to meet one of Urbandale’s favorite four-legged officer! 💙🐾
We hope to see you and the pups there!🐶🚜🌾

08/28/2026

🏃‍♀🚓Lace up your running shoes and Run for the Badge!💙🖤

Join us on Saturday, October 17th for the Run for the Badge 5K at Charles Gabus Memorial Tree Park!

⏰ Run/Walk starts: 8:30 AM
📝 Day-of registration begins: 7:30 AM

👕 Want to guarantee your t-shirt size? Be sure to register by October 6th!

Even better, 100% of the proceeds from t-shirt sales will be donated to the Justin Martin Scholarship Fund. 💙

Whether you’re racing for a personal best, jogging with friends, walking with family, or just looking for a fun way to support a great cause, we’d love to have you join us!
If you have any questions, email Officer Jenna Jensen at [email protected]

👉 Register today and help us Run for the Badge! 🏅💙🖤
https://urbandale.activityreg.com/selectActivity

08/27/2026

🏍️ Ride Sober. Ride Safe. 🚨

Motorcycles require focus, balance, coordination, and quick decision-making. Driving impaired by alcohol, cannabis, or other drugs can slow your reactions and make it harder to recognize and respond to hazards.

For motorcycle riders, the consequences of one impaired decision can be devastating.

Before you ride, make a plan. If you’ve been drinking or using drugs, don’t get on the bike. Find a sober ride, call a rideshare, or wait until you’re sober.

Your life—and the lives of everyone sharing the road—are worth protecting.

🏍️ Don’t ride impaired. Ride sober. Get home safely.

08/26/2026

UPDATE: MAX HAS BEEN PICKED UP BY HIS FAMILY JUST 29 MINUTES LATER! 🐾❤️

The “young, handsome German Shepherd looking for a little adventure” has officially been reunited with his family! Apparently, Max just wanted to squeeze in a quick solo trip to Kwik Star before heading home. They do have good snacks. 😂🐶

A huge thank you to everyone who shared his photo and helped get the word out! We’re happy to report that Max is back where he belongs… and hopefully grounded from any future unauthorized Kwik Star runs. 🐾🏠💙

THANK YOU FACEBOOK!

🐾 🚨 FOUND DOG ALERT! 🚨🐾

Do you recognize this young and handsome German Shepherd boy? 🐕 He was found all alone at the Kwik Star near 109th Street and Douglas Avenue and is hoping his family is looking for him!

He’s approximately one year old, very friendly, and is currently waiting safely at Furry Friends Refuge. ❤️

If you recognize this sweet guy or know where he belongs, please contact Westcom Emergency Communications Dispatch so we can help reunite him with his family!

Please share to help get this good boy back home! 🐾🏡

08/26/2026

🚨 Yes, You Can Still Get an OWI for Driving High. 🚨

Think you can’t get an OWI because you’re driving under the influence of cannabis or another drug instead of alcohol? Think again.

Impaired is impaired. Driving high can affect your reaction time, coordination, judgment, attention, and ability to safely operate a vehicle. If you’re impaired behind the wheel, you can face serious legal consequences—including an OWI.

Don’t risk your freedom, your future, or someone else’s life.

🌿 If you’re high, don’t drive. Find a sober driver, use a rideshare, or make another safe plan to get home.

Drive sober. Arrive alive.

08/21/2026

Please help us welcome our newest Officers who graduated from the 328th basic Iowa Law Enforcement Academy today!

Officer Nicolaus Torres (left)
Officer Tyler Canine (right)

They will start field training next week. We are excited to have these two begin their career serving and protecting the city of Urbandale!

08/21/2026

🛑 When CAN You Keep Driving Past a School Bus?

Check the graphic 👉 to know the rules for multi-lane roads when a school bus has its stop arm out.

📍 If you're behind the bus (same direction):
🚫 You MUST stop — even on a 4-lane road.
✅ Stop at least 15 feet behind the bus.
✅ Stay stopped until the stop arm retracts and the bus moves.

📍 If you're in the opposite lane(s):
➡️ On a 4-lane road (with or without center turn lane), you may keep driving — only if you’re approaching from the opposite direction.

⚠️ Buses are not allowed to let kids cross a multi-lane road unless there are traffic signals or law enforcement present.

💡 This is the ONLY time you're allowed to pass a stopped school bus with its stop arm out.🔗 Learn more at iowadot.gov/schoolbus

08/20/2026

🛑 What To Do When a School Bus Stops 🛑

School is back in session soon — so let’s keep our kids safe by following these simple school bus safety rules, straight from the Iowa DOT:
📍 If you’re behind the bus (same direction):
🚨 Flashing red or amber lights = No passing — be ready to stop.
🛑 When the stop arm extends:
✅ Stop at least 15 feet behind the bus
✅ Stay stopped until the stop arm retracts and the bus moves
✅ Then continue with caution

📍 If you’re meeting the bus (opposite direction):
⚠️ Amber lights flashing? Slow to 20 mph or less
🛑 When the stop arm comes out:
✅ Stop in front of the bus
✅ Stay stopped until the stop arm retracts
✅ Then proceed carefully

📚 Let’s make school bus safety a priority this year. No child’s safety is worth a rush.

👀 Learn more and check out visuals from the Iowa Department of Transportation here: 🔗 iowadot.gov/schoolbus