Police Department Intern (Unpaid) - Spring 2025

The internship with the DeKalb Police Department offers undergraduate and graduate students the opportunity to complement academic studies to enhance career growth and personal development. The internship program is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire law enforcement process.  The Intern position is an unpaid position that assists with a variety of programs, projects, initiatives and administrative tasks to help align and support the department's mission.  Interns will complete a variety of ride-along and observation hours within each of the department's divisions.  The Intern position will complete one to two large research projects over the duration of the internship. The Intern position requires the ability to work with a high level of discretion, minimal supervision and the ability to interact in a professional manner.

POSITION CONTEXT:
This Intern position will be assigned to the Police Department.  The Intern position is a part-time unpaid position that will average 20 hours per week. The work schedule will consist of hours mutually agreed upon with the Department; generally, between the hours of 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM, Monday through Friday.  Some weekend and nighttime hours may be required. The Intern position may be full-time hours to meet the needs of the student and department and duration of the internship.
 

• Observes department staff in a variety of different work settings.
• Collects, analyzes, composes and disseminates information to the public, applicants, outside agencies, media and the community relative to City and/or departmental activities.
• Conducts special studies in conjunction with a project, analyzes data and makes recommendations based upon results.
• Prepares reports, progress summaries, statistical analyses and related data.
• Analyzes, generates and maintains records and other reference material necessary for departmental use.
• Updates and maintains departmental website pages as requested.
• Assists with content and dissemination of information via the City's various social media outlets.
• Assists with the planning and execution of department special events.
• Transports and disseminates departmental property, supplies, monies, equipment and interagency correspondence (mail, case reports, etc.) to City Hall and other various agencies/businesses.

OTHER JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Provides general administrative support, including composing of correspondence, ordering of supplies, completion of check requests and purchase orders and sorting and routing of departmental mail.
• Completes other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Ability to analyze organizational data.
• Ability to interpret and provide information in accordance with laws, ordinances, regulations, established policies and departmental procedures.
• Ability to handle confidential/sensitive matters in a professional manner.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising good judgment and initiative.
• Must have strong verbal and written communication skills and the ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with all levels of staff, management, contractors, residents, applicants and general public.
• Ability to work effectively as a team player, take the initiative and make constructive recommendations to improve overall departmental efficiency.
• Ability to maintain professional composure when confronted by stressful situations and take reasonable action when confronted with difficult situations.
• Ability to multi-task and work under pressure with interruptions and within short timeframes.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Knowledge of research and analysis methods and forecasting techniques.
• Knowledge of modern office procedures, methods and computer equipment.

Education:

• High School diploma or equivalent required.
• Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program earning a degree in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or similar field.

Experience:

• Strong working knowledge of MS Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint).
• Adobe Acrobat Pro, customer relations management and database management experience desired. 

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Some duties are performed in an office setting with prolonged periods of sitting.  The person in this position needs to frequently move about inside the office to access file cabinets, office equipment, etc.
• Some duties are performed in the field. The person in this position will need to be able to move quickly from place to place. This position will frequently lift/move up to 25 pounds and occasionally lift/move up to 75 pounds with the use of a hand cart or other aid.
• This position will have frequent contact with others.
• Position requires periods or concentration and the ability to cope with numerous interruptions and changing priorities.
• Position requires the ability to handle emotionally and mentally challenging situations and view potential graphic material and content.
• This position will require occasional travel to various locations during the day and may be exposed to weather elements.

EQUIPMENT USED:

• General office equipment including computer, printer, scanner, copier and multi-line telephone system. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

• Occasional night or weekend hours may be required as assigned.

SELECTION PROCESS:

• The selection process includes submission of an application, interview, and a background check. A drug screen is completed upon conditional offer.

STATEMENT OF OTHER DUTIES DISCLAIMER:

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature and essential duties and responsibilities of work performed by employees within this position. It may not contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees to do this job.