Police Department Intern

Law Enforcement Internship

This 12-week internship offers current college students pursuing criminal justice or a related field the opportunity to explore the many facets of law enforcement. Interns will gain exposure to police operations, records management, research, data analysis, accreditation, and administrative functions while shadowing patrol, investigative, and administrative personnel. Interns will also participate in ride-alongs, training opportunities, and community eventsproviding a well-rounded look at a career in law enforcement.

Under the direction of the Administrative Division Commander, engages in a variety of operational tasks including, but not limited to, research, operational and administrative exposure, accreditation processes, data entry, and records management. This position is classified as non-exempt and is subject to the Fair Labor Standards Act overtime regulations.

Primary Tasks

• Courteously interacts with citizens and staff responding to all requests in a timely manner.
• Answers telephone, sends and receives departmental mail, and disseminates information accordingly.
• Provides administrative support including photocopying, faxing, scanning, creating documents, and generating correspondence.
• Operates a radio and relays information to police personnel.
• Reviews reports and assists with data entry.
• Conducts research, retrieves data, and prepares statistical reports.
• Assists with invoice preparation for departmental services.
• Attends meetings and training sessions as required.
• Shadows uniformed patrol personnel and participates in the department's ride along program.
• Shadows investigative and administrative personnel.
• Assists with planning and staffing community events.
• Performs related duties as assigned.

Equipment Operated: Computer with Microsoft Office, facsimile, two-way radio, Town-owned vehicles, copier, scanner, shredder, telephone, and other assigned office equipment.

Reporting Relationship: This position reports to the Administrative Division Commander.

Working Conditions:

• Employee may have limited exposure to the usual hazards associated with law enforcement work, including, but not limited to, working in both inside and outside environments, in extreme hot and cold weather, and exposure to various hazards such as emergency driving, dangerous persons, dangerous situations with medical emergencies, loud noises, and hazardous spills with fumes, oil, gases or flammable liquids.
• Must be able to physically perform the basic life operations functions of fingering, grasping, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions.
• Must be able to perform sedentary work occasionally exerting 10 pounds of force.
• Must possess the visual acuity to prepare and analyze figures, perform transcription, operate computers, and perform extensive reading.

Job Context: This position is a 12-week internship and works a schedule determined by the Administrative Division Commander and approved by the Police Chief. This position is classified as limited service. Limited service employees work less than 1,000 hours per year. The stress level of the job is low.

Qualifications of Class

Education: Current enrollment in an accredited college or university pursuing a degree in a criminal justice program, or similar field of study. A minimum GPA of 3.0 is preferred.

Experience: Administrative support or clerical experience involving public contact is preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to establish and maintain an effective indexing and cross-indexing system for police records and documents.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective office operation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with other employees and the general public.

Special Requirements: Must possess a valid driver's license.