Roll of Honor
Incident
Chief of Police Charles Jackson was shot and killed after he and several other officers responded to a house after receiving a tip that a wanted man was there. The officers were met at the door by the suspect's wife. After gaining entry they began searching the home and located the suspect in a bedroom. As they called out his name the suspect began firing, striking Chief Jackson in the chest. Chief Jackson was able to return fire, wounding the suspect. The suspect stayed in the residence for 30 minutes before running out of the back door. Officers opened fire on him and fatally wounded him. Chief Jackson was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries four days later. Chief Jackson had served with the Des Moines Police Department for 16 years. He is buried in Glendale Cemetery, Des Moines, Polk County, Iowa.
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BO-US-IA-4F907F85- Stewardship
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- Added to badge.nw
- August 2, 2026
- Last updated
- August 2, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Chief of Police Jackson gave the Des Moines Police Department 16 years.
Thank you for your service to the Des Moines community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Chief of Police Jackson.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Chief of Police Charles Chester Jackson is one of 17,558 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 53.9% of all 32,585 officers honored here.
In IA, 129 of 226 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 57.1% of this state's fallen. That is 3.2 percentage points above the national rate of 53.9%.
At Des Moines Police Department, 16 of 27 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 59.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Charles Chester Jackson's cause is highlighted.
How Charles Chester Jackson Compares
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Charles Chester Jackson is highlighted in Dec.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Charles Chester Jackson was killed by gun.
Others Who Wore This Badge
26 officers from Des Moines Police Department are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
