About the Division of Professional Development & Support Services

The Division of Professional Development and Support Services (PDSS) was established in 2021. PDSS oversees the training of the Department's personnel, including its sworn peace officers. PDSS is also in charge of managing the sworn hiring process and running the DPS Basic and Certified Training Academies as well as CALEA Accreditation. Additionally, Professional Development and Support services houses the DPS Wellness and Support Services Bureau, which includes supervision of the Peer Support Team, Critical Incident Stress Management Team, and the Crisis Response/Therapy K9 Program.

Director Ben Lampe

Ben Lampe serves as the Director of the Division of Professional Development and Support Services. Director Lampe attended the 24th DPS Basic Academy in 1997 and was assigned to the Iowa State Patrol Division as a Trooper in District 1, Des Moines. Director Lampe served with the Iowa State Patrol for 28 years prior to being promoted to Director in 2026.

While with the Iowa State Patrol Division, Director Lampe was promoted in 2012 to Sergeant – Assistant District Commander in District 1.  In 2019, he was promoted to Lieutenant – District 15 Commander before transferring in 2020 to the Professional Development Bureau where he served as the Camp Commander for the 45th Basic Academy. He was promoted to the rank of Captain - Area A Commander in 2021 where he served for five years. Throughout his career, Director Lampe has served as a Technical Collision Investigator, ALERRT Instructor, member and instructor for the Honor Guard, and a member and Team Leader for the Area A Tactical Team.

 Director Lampe has also served in the Iowa National Guard for 20 years with two combat deployments and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. Director Lampe has a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Simpson College.