Grand Rapids Laboratory

State of Michigan•Grand Rapids, MI

13d•Onsite

About The Position

A semester-long internship with the Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory will offer exposure to multiple disciplines of forensic science. The program will expose students to evidence handling, chain of custody, and the specific functions of each discipline to demonstrate how those processes aid in criminal investigations. This program will be without monetary inducement and for academic class credit in accordance with LOM 1.13 (Interns and Volunteers). It will be the responsibility of the internship candidate to ensure that they receive academic credit for their experience. The Michigan State Police (MSP) is a full-service policing agency with statewide jurisdiction, providing over 60 different services either directly to Michigan residents or in support of other law enforcement agencies. The MSP personnel most visible to the public are the uniform troopers whose primary responsibilities include traffic enforcement, crime prevention and investigation, and community engagement and service.

Requirements

Must be currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at the time of internship.
College junior or senior with a degree track in a natural or physical science. (Criminal Justice students are not eligible unless pursuing additional studies in a natural or physical science)
Cumulative GPA of 3.0 or above
Citizen of the United States at the time of application (International students with a valid student visa are also eligible to apply)
Has a valid operator’s or chauffeur’s license without restrictions (except corrective lenses)
Does not have a history of criminal convictions or excessive civil infraction violations
Ability to pass a controlled substances screening
Has completed the Hepatitis B vaccination series by the start of the program
Ability to pass a fingerprint check
Ability to comply with a confidentiality agreement
Submit application via NEOGOV with completed forms: CJIS-008 – Background Check Request, PD-039 (Application for Internship), PD-037 (Agreement for Provision of Unpaid Student Services to the Michigan), FSD-034 - Forensic Laboratory Internship Program Screening Form, Cover Letter, Resume, Letter of Reference (from a college faculty member), and Official Transcripts (unofficial or official copy).

Nice To Haves

Criminal Justice students are not eligible unless pursuing additional studies in a natural or physical science

Responsibilities

Provide a detailed overview of the laboratory analyses conducted by the discipline.
Introduce all members of the discipline and discuss their role(s) within the unit.
Discuss applicable safety considerations of the discipline.
Demonstrate examples of the various analyses conducted within the discipline through casework observations and/or mock examples.
Review previous cases that demonstrate how the specific type of forensic evidence has aided investigations.
Explain and demonstrate the use of databases, where applicable.
Summarize a case study or active research within the field of forensic science for a final Case Capstone Presentation.
Discuss potential implications of the case study or research within the various units of the Grand Rapids Forensic Laboratory and/or the field of forensic science as a whole.