Finding an internship

[Kimble]

I would recommend a big department, because you would experience a lot more than at a small department. You can always work at a small department if you don't like the big city after your internship.

I have to agree with this from my experience. I interned with one of the largest departments in my state, and the experience I had with the internship was invaluable and interesting. I worked in two seperate divisions, including in one position that was in the administrative office for the department (so I got to rub elbows with the department's top brass and they came to know me by name).

Additionally, I was able to do things outside of my intern duties because I showed a strong work ethic and the department was large enough to need help in other areas. Some of the things I was able to do during my internship included proving research assistance for a federal grant, attended a training event with our department's hostage negotiations and SWAT team, and participated in a low-risk arrest warrant on a joint investigation with our department and the FBI. All of these things were invaluable experiences that I am glad to have been a part of, and would likely not have happened had I interned with a much smaller department.

[squeeeg]

That is what I would love to do, but I just don't have that size department around me. The largest city withing 1 1/2 hour drive is mine and it is only 20,000+ people. I did get a call from one that said they no longer did internships, they are looking into the officers interest in doing one for me. So my glimmer of hope is turning more into the light at the end of the tunnel.

[dkatz]

I recommend applying for an internship in Washington D.C. with a federal agency. I was just selected to be an intern for the DEA in Washington for the summer. I applied through www.twc.edu. The program is called the Washington Center. They are based out of Washington and they have connections with every federal agency you can think of. It costs $65 for them to help you find an internship. If you have any questions, just ask me.

[qpd158]

Not sure where you are at...my dept is currently working 2 internships and the SO has at least one intern that I know of...Agencies are out there, keep at it. Like someone has mentioned...try to work with the local SO. They probably handle corrections, courts and the road...not many times you could get an internship to cover all 3 areas, and it might be a plus with your advisor. Anyways Good LUCK

[squeeeg]

I am all the way up here in Michigan. I think that commute might get old after a while. Thanks for letting me know about it. I am sure somebody needs one down there.

[jfoote85]

I got my internship in Cali a little over a year ago. It was really cut and dry, apply to the PD as an Intern, go through a 2 month hiring process and they start you. I get to do everything, help at the front desk, work dispatch, work the jail, all the ride alongs I want. I've also gotten to know the top brass really well and am looking forward when it comes time to apply for the recruit position, as I've been told it will be much easier. Plus I now have been offered the opportunity to attend a few sworn officer training conferences here and there, which I think is pretty cool. As long as everything works out in the future, I will consider my time spent as an intern completely valuable, not only for the work experience but also the friendships with all the officers.

[squeeeg]

My internship was finalized on tuesday. Suprisingly no background or anything like that. Now I can't wait for it to start. Thanks for the helpful words of advice from everybody here.

[Sampras2]

My background for my internship took 4 and half months to complete. I would recommend to anyone who is going to internship to apply to at least two departments. You never know if one department may not have openings. Also, photo copy your background stuff, so you have the same information on your next background investigation.

[squeeeg]

They didn't even do a background for my internship. Or at least not one that I know of. They didn't call any of my references or anything. I don't even thing they called my school.