Anaya Nolan
Internships are a great way to gain experience and boost employability in a competitive job market. Many law enforcement agencies offer internships, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP), the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), and local, state, and federal police departments. These internships are designed to provide students and recent graduates with opportunities to explore careers in law enforcement, develop professional skills, and gain hands-on experience in the field. Some internships are even a direct pipeline to full-time employment. In addition to gaining valuable experience, interns can also contribute their skills and knowledge to the advancement of law enforcement.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of interns selected | Approximately 1800 volunteer interns each year |
| Internship period | 3 semesters of 10-12 weeks over the Spring, Summer and Fall |
| Internship type | Paid and unpaid internships |
| Eligibility | Undergraduate and graduate students |
| Eligibility | Enrolled in an accredited bachelor's degree program (or higher) in criminal justice, homeland security, political science, cyber security, or related fields and have satisfactorily completed 60 credits |
| Eligibility | U.S. citizen |
| Eligibility | Minimum 3.0 GPA |
| Eligibility | Strong writing and interpersonal skills |
| Application requirements | Cover letter, resume, writing sample, letter of recommendation, transcripts |
| Perks | Direct pipeline to full-time employment, highly sought after because of the responsibility and experience they offer |
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What You'll Learn
Internships with the FBI
Internships are a great way to boost your employability and gain experience in your field of interest. The FBI, or Federal Bureau of Investigation, offers internships for students and recent graduates to work alongside professionals and gain hands-on experience in a unique work environment.
The FBI Honors Internship Program (HIP) is a paid, 10-week summer internship for undergraduate and graduate students. It provides a direct pipeline to full-time employment and is a great way to set your career in motion. Participants work side-by-side with FBI employees at the FBI Headquarters in Washington, D.C., or one of the 56 field offices across the country. The program seeks applicants from a diverse range of academic backgrounds, including accounting, foreign languages, information technology, criminal justice, journalism law, and STEM programs.
To be eligible for the FBI Honors Internship Program, applicants must have and maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.95-3.0 on a 4.0 scale, depending on the source. They must also pass the FBI's extensive employment background investigation and receive Top-Secret clearance. Additionally, applicants must be U.S. citizens, comply with the FBI's drug policy, and have health insurance coverage.
The FBI also offers the VSP, an FBI-sponsored educational program in partnership with Oak Ridge Associated Universities (ORAU) and administered by the Oak Ridge Institute for Science and Education (ORISE). This program is designed for individuals with a bachelor's degree or higher in an appropriate science field, such as chemistry, geology, biology, statistics, or forensic science. Participants perform research in areas of law enforcement and national security, receiving guidance from leading Forensic Scientists at the FBI Laboratory in Quantico, Virginia. They receive monthly stipends, as well as training and travel allowances.
The FBI internship programs offer challenging and rewarding assignments, allowing interns to contribute to real cases and gain valuable experience. The culture within the FBI is described as welcoming, with interns feeling like they are part of a big family. These internships provide a great opportunity to enhance your resume, grow your professional network, and make a difference in the world of law enforcement and national security.
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Internships with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers
The Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) offer internships to college students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, business, information technology, and social sciences, or related fields of study. The FLETC College Intern Program (CIP) is an eight-week program that provides students with the opportunity to participate in a federal law enforcement training environment.
The CIP offers two types of internships: Law Enforcement and Non-Law Enforcement. Law Enforcement interns dedicate about 50% of their time to advancing the FLETC's mission of training those who protect US homeland security. The other 50% of their time is spent auditing basic and advanced training courses. Non-Law Enforcement interns complete challenging administrative projects that provide insights into how various business functions support the FLETC's mission. Like their Law Enforcement counterparts, Non-Law Enforcement interns also spend half of their time auditing training courses.
The FLETC has locations in Glynco, Georgia; Charleston, South Carolina; Artesia, New Mexico; and Washington, DC. Applicants selected to attend the Georgia, South Carolina, or New Mexico locations are provided with complimentary housing and meals at on-center facilities. Applicants selected for the Washington, DC, location are responsible for their own housing and meals. All travel expenses are the sole responsibility of the intern.
To apply for the CIP, applicants must submit the following documents:
- A nomination letter on official letterhead, stating the reasons for nominating the student, such as scholastic abilities, leadership potential, and awards
- Official college transcripts from the applicant's current academic institution
- A narrative essay (no longer than two pages) explaining why the applicant wants to join the program
Applications are only accepted during specific periods. Once the open period arrives, a vacancy announcement is posted on the Office of Personnel Management's website, www.usajobs.gov. Applicants must create a USAJOBS® account to submit their application and supporting documents.
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Internships with the International Association of Chiefs of Police
The International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) offers internships to undergraduate or graduate students, or recent graduates, with a minimum 3.0-grade point average, strong writing and interpersonal skills, and excellent computer skills. The program is made up of three 10-12 week semesters over the spring, summer, and fall.
The IACP internships focus on exposing students to all aspects of law enforcement and criminal justice issues. Interns support the IACP through advocacy, programs, research, and training, while gaining professional work experience and first-hand involvement with products and services that support the law enforcement community.
Interns have the opportunity to take educational field trips to local agencies, interact with local police officers and federal law enforcement agents, and participate in professional development opportunities, conferences, and meetings. The IACP's mission to advance the law enforcement profession may also require tasks outside of the criminal justice realm, so students with a background in areas such as social media, business administration, journalism, or marketing and communications are also encouraged to apply.
The IACP is not the only organization offering internships in law enforcement. For example, the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC) offer college internship programs and student volunteer programs for students majoring in Criminal Justice, Criminology, or a related field. These internships provide a unique opportunity to participate in a federal law enforcement training environment and gain work experience while exploring career options. Similarly, Interpol offers internships in policing services for those interested in security and crime matters, as well as internships across its support services, including communications, strategic planning, and human resources.
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Paid vs. unpaid internships
There are a variety of internship opportunities available with law enforcement agencies. These include internships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies, as well as with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC). The FLETC, for example, offers the FLETC College Intern Program and the Student Volunteer Program.
When it comes to paid vs. unpaid internships, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, it is important to note that the distinction between paid and unpaid interns does not exist under the law. The question is whether the worker can be classified as an "intern" and therefore exempt from the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA), or if they must be classified as an employee and thus entitled to compensation. The FLSA exempts volunteers who perform services for a state or local government agency or for humanitarian purposes for non-profit organizations. Unpaid internships are generally permissible in the public sector and non-profit charitable organizations, provided that the intern volunteers without expecting compensation.
However, there is a growing trend towards paying interns, at least minimum wage, due to publicized lawsuits, potential exposure, and public perception. The Biden-Harris Administration, for instance, decided to pay its interns for the first time in history, starting with the Fall 2022 session. This decision was made to address the social and economic disadvantage faced by individuals who cannot afford to work for free.
Additionally, it is worth noting that while some internships are unpaid, they may still offer valuable benefits such as course credit or be part of a law school's work-study program. These internships are highly sought after because of the responsibility and experience they offer. For example, the Department of Justice selects approximately 1,800 volunteer interns each year, with around 800 interns during the academic year and 1,000 during the summer.
In conclusion, while the classification of interns as paid or unpaid depends on various legal and organizational factors, the value of an internship extends beyond financial compensation. Internships provide individuals with the opportunity to gain experience, develop skills, and explore career options in law enforcement.
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Internships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
FLETC offers a range of internship programs, including the College Intern Program and Pathways Programs, which provide opportunities for college students majoring in criminal justice, criminology, or related fields to participate in a federal law enforcement training environment. These programs offer valuable work experience and allow interns to develop their personal and professional skills.
The FBI also offers internships for students and recent graduates, such as the Honors Internship Program (HIP), which is a paid internship that can lead to full-time employment after college. The FBI Visiting Scientist Program (VSP) is another opportunity for early career scientists and postgraduates to participate in forensic science research at the FBI Laboratory.
IACP has a Student Internship Program that hires undergraduate and graduate students interested in supporting IACP's vision of shaping the future of the policing profession. Interns gain professional work experience and first-hand involvement with products and services that support the law enforcement community. The program includes educational field trips, interactions with local police officers and federal agents, and participation in professional development activities.
Local and state police departments, such as the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP), also offer internship programs. The PSP Unpaid College Internship Program introduces college students to the opportunities and disciplines of the law enforcement field, allowing them to work alongside department personnel and gain problem-solving and partnership-building skills.
In addition to these opportunities, there are also volunteer internships and part-time paid positions offered by the Department of Justice (DOJ). The DOJ Pathways Programs include an Internship Program, a Recent Graduates Program, and a Presidential Management Fellows Program, providing clear paths to Federal employment.
Overall, internships with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies offer valuable experiences and skills that can enhance employability and provide a better understanding of the field. They are an excellent way for individuals to explore career options and build a professional network in law enforcement.
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Frequently asked questions
Some law enforcement internship programs include the Federal Law Enforcement Training Centers (FLETC), the International Association of Chiefs of Police (IAC P), the FBI Honors Internship Program (HIP), and the Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Unpaid College Internship Program.
The requirements for a law enforcement internship vary depending on the program and the type of internship. Most law enforcement internships require applicants to be enrolled in an accredited bachelor's or master's degree program and have completed a certain number of credits. Some programs may also have specific GPA requirements, such as a minimum 3.0 GPA.
A law enforcement internship can provide valuable work experience and allow interns to develop professional and personal skills. It can also help interns understand the realities of the field and determine if it is the right career path for them. Additionally, some internships may offer course credit or be part of a work-study program.
Law enforcement internship opportunities can be found on various websites, including official government websites (ending in ".gov") and law enforcement agency websites. Interested applicants can also contact their local law enforcement agencies directly to inquire about internship programs. The application process typically involves submitting an application form, resume, and other supporting documents, such as transcripts and letters of recommendation.
