BENJAMIN T. LAMPE
Newton
Summary
Senior public safety and military leader with 25+ years of experience in law enforcement operations, training, and organizational leadership. Proven ability to lead large teams, manage multimillion-dollar budgets, and execute complex operations across state and federal environments.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Captain
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2021 - Current
- Command oversight of multiple districts covering 17 counties and 56 troopers
- Direct leadership of specialty programs, including Recon, PSD, MCSAP, and Vehicle Theft
- Build cross-agency relationships and align field operations with departmental strategy
- Execute decision-making based on legal liability, policy, and best practices
Bureau Chief, Professional Development Bureau
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2020 - 01.2022
- Led statewide training for 550+ sworn personnel
- Served as Camp Commander for the 45th DPS Basic Academy
- Directed promotional exam processes across all divisions and ranks
- Oversaw recruitment initiatives with emphasis on diversity and outreach
- Coordinated with Strategic Communications on recruitment and social media efforts
Lieutenant / Sergeant
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2012 - 01.2020
- District Commander and Assistant District Commander roles
- Managed $1.7M annual MCSAP grant budget
- Supervised accident reconstruction, K-9, vehicle theft, and tactical units
- Led implementation of sUAS program and improved investigative reporting workflows
Trooper
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.1997 - 01.2012
- Field Training Officer and Tactical Unit Team Leader
- Participated in high-risk operations, dignitary protection, and active shooter training
- Extensive experience in criminal interdiction and technical accident investigation
Company Commander (Captain) → Major (Retired)
United States Army / Iowa National Guard
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Led 114 soldiers during two combat deployments (OIF 03-05, 07-09)
- Commanded route clearance missions and managed $30M+ in equipment
- Served as Battalion Plans Officer supporting 500-person unit operations
- Retired after 20 years of service, breveted to Lieutenant Colonel
Education
B.A. - Criminal Justice, Sociology
Simpson College
U.S. Army Command & General Staff College -
Engineer Captain's Career Course -
Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO) -
Police Leadership: The West Point Model -
Skills
- Operational Command
- Strategic Planning
- Personnel Development
- Budget & Grant Management
- Interagency Coordination
- Training & Academy Leadership
- Crisis & Risk Management
Education And Professional Development
- B.A. Criminal Justice, Minor in Sociology - Simpson College
- U.S. Army Command & General Staff College
- Engineer Captain's Career Course
- Leadership in Police Organizations (LPO)
- Police Leadership: The West Point Model
Websites
Awards
- General Douglas MacArthur Leadership Award
- Two Bronze Star Medals
- Iowa State Patrol Chief's Commendations (2)
- Hometown Hero Award
Military Leadership Experience
United States Army / Iowa National Guard, Company Commander (Captain) → Major (Retired), Led 114 soldiers during two combat deployments (OIF 03-05, 07-09), Commanded route clearance missions and managed $30M+ in equipment, Served as Battalion Plans Officer supporting 500-person unit operations, Retired after 20 years of service, breveted to Lieutenant Colonel
Core Leadership Competencies
- Operational Command
- Strategic Planning
- Personnel Development
- Budget & Grant Management
- Interagency Coordination
- Training & Academy Leadership
- Crisis & Risk Management
Timeline
Captain
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2021 - Current
Bureau Chief, Professional Development Bureau
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2020 - 01.2022
Lieutenant / Sergeant
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.2012 - 01.2020
Company Commander (Captain) → Major (Retired)
United States Army / Iowa National Guard
01.2003 - 01.2009
Trooper
Iowa Department of Public Safety
01.1997 - 01.2012
B.A. - Criminal Justice, Sociology
Simpson College