Internship Program

The purpose of this internship is to provide participants with a similar experience to that of an entry level police officer. Interns will be introduced and familiarized to the various components of a law enforcement officer and their specific roles in the criminal justice system. The internship will focus primarily on the duties and tasks of patrol officers with a supplemental exposure to criminal investigations and community relations. 

Interns will directly observe the daily activities carried out by patrol officers such as incident response, investigation, training, warrant service, arrest, and courtroom testimony. Daily tasks and duties will be assigned to interns that mimic the responsibilities of the officers they observe, providing real life experience in the field. All tasks and assignments are designed to help create a foundation for those interested in a career in the law enforcement profession, specifically policing.  

Interns will be provided with the opportunity to work in criminal investigations where they may be assigned tasks to assist detectives with ongoing investigations. Interns will also be introduced to the community relations aspect of law enforcement and the importance of building trust with those the police serve.

Applicants interested in this internship should have critical thinking skills and the ability to keep an open mind. The applicant must have a strong work ethic and desire to take on new challenges in an ever-changing profession.

Internships are paid and offered primarily to students enrolled at post-secondary education 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 the successful completion of the internship program from their institution of higher learning.

All State College Police Department interns are always expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner during their internship.