Police internships offer students currently enrolled in a college or university an opportunity to work and learn in a law enforcement agency. In order to participate in a police internship, a student must be attending classes full-time and have a valid driver's license and a clean criminal background. Internships provide students with valuable experience and help them prepare for careers in the field.

Learn About Investigations

Students participating in police internships have a chance to learn about police investigations. This is an opportunity for students to work and learn under police officers and detectives. While police departments cannot guarantee the types of investigations available, opportunities may be available in domestic disputes, vice and narcotics and more. During internship, students are able to ride along with police officers and observe investigation processes and methods.

Develop Experience

Participating in a police internship offers a student an opportunity to develop experience in the field. Those who complete internships may have a better chance to gain employment after graduation. In addition to learning about investigations, a student in an internship can develop connections and network in different policing areas. Networks and connections can be beneficial when pursuing police academy training and gaining employment in the field.

Explore Different Police Departments

Internships offer students opportunities to explore different police departments and see what career may be right for them. Students may get to work with a sheriff's office, homeland security, patrol, internal affairs, homicide, juvenile justice and more. Internships offer an opportunity to experience the work in different policing areas, and work and learn under professional law enforcement personnel.

Receive Career Counseling

Throughout the process of an internship, students can also seek career guidance and advice from police officers, detectives and lieutenants. Students may receive counseling on what courses to take when they return to college, as well as advice on police academy training and the expectations for career possibilities. Opportunities may also be available to understand the physical and mental requirements of working in law enforcement and how it affects an individual's personal life as well.