The State College Police Department's internship program is a highly rewarding, professional program that offers participants the opportunity to work “hands on” in various areas of the Police Department.

Internships are unpaid and offered primarily to students enrolled at post-secondary institutions (must be 18 years of age or older). Student interns are typically in their junior or senior year of study and receive credit for successful completion of the internship program from their institution of higher learning.

Work Areas

Some of the work areas State College Police Department interns will be assigned to include:

• Detective Section
• Uniformed Patrol Division
• Traffic/Warrant Section
• Community Relations/Crime Prevention Section
• Records Section
• Administration.

Duties

Interns will be challenged to assist with investigative tasks, when appropriate, and will also be permitted to observe in many different patrol and criminal investigation situations including, but not limited to, interviews, written statement analysis, and crime scene/evidence processing. At times, interns may be assigned to attend law enforcement related training programs or observe while officers participate in active training programs such as Tactical Response Team Readiness training and Firearms training.

Interns may also be assigned to complete clerical work and observe in non-sworn positions within the Records/Administration Division of the Police Department. Finally, interns may be assigned to observe court hearings, jury/non-jury trials, or other court related processes.

Requirements & Application Process

State College Police Department interns are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times during their internship. Internship applicants must meet the following minimum requirements and must complete the application process successfully before being considered for assignment.

Minimum Requirements

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and United States citizens
• Applicants must have valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record
• Applicants should not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendre to any felony charge, or to any violations of any federal or state laws relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, or controlled substances
• Misdemeanor charges may be reason for dismissal from the application process and will be considered on a case by case basis
• Summary charges (non-traffic and traffic offenses) may also be reason for dismissal from the application process and must be reported. These violations will also be considered on a case by case basis
• No illegal use/abuse of controlled substances
• Must be a current student enrolled and attending at least a two or four year accredited school or university
• Must maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher (or otherwise be in good academic standing)
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement and consent to a criminal background check
• If applicable, honorable discharge from Military Service

Note: The internship selection process will be competitive due to the limited number of positions available.

Application Process

1. Submit a cover letter stating at a minimum, your reasons for applying for an internship with the State College Police Department, along with your relevant qualifications and expectations of the internship program;
2. Submit a resume that includes at least three professional/personal references with contact information;
3. Submit the completed written application;
4. Submit two letters of recommendation from previous employers or professional contacts; and
5. Return all of the above to:

State College Police Department
C/O Officer A.R. Salyards #3245
243 South Allen Street
State College, PA 16801

Timeline

Fall Internships

• Fall internships run from September through December
• Application and all required materials must be received by June 30
• Interviews will be held by July 15
• Selections will be made by July 30

Spring Internships

• Spring internships run from January through May
• Application and all required materials must be received by October 30
• Interviews will be held by November 15
• Selections will be made by November 30

Summer Internships

• Summer Internships run from from May/June though August
• Application and all required materials must be received by March 15
• Interviews will be held by March 30
• Selections will me made by April 15

Candidates from Nontraditional Schools

Students attending schools with nontraditional academic semesters may also be considered for an internship and should still apply as listed above. These applicants need to be sure to indicate in their application and cover letter the specific dates they are requesting for the internship.