Police Department Intern (Unpaid) - Spring 2027

City of DeKalb•DeKalb, IL

23h

About The Position

The DeKalb Police Department internship gives undergraduate and graduate students an opportunity to complement their academic studies and support career growth and personal development through a broad overview of the law enforcement process. The unpaid intern assists with departmental programs, projects, initiatives, and administrative tasks; completes ride-along and observation hours across department divisions; and undertakes one or two substantial research projects. The role requires discretion, professional interaction, and the ability to work with minimal supervision. This is a part-time position averaging up to 20 hours per week, with hours mutually agreed upon with the Department, generally Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 11:00 PM. Some nighttime and weekend work may be required. Full-time hours may be arranged to meet the needs of the student and Department and the internship duration.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree program in Criminal Justice, Sociology, or a similar field.
Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
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 and sensitive matters professionally.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while exercising sound judgment and initiative.
Strong verbal and written communication skills and ability to understand and follow complex verbal and written instructions.
Ability to develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with staff, management, contractors, residents, applicants, and the public.
Ability to work effectively as a team player, take initiative, and make constructive recommendations to improve departmental efficiency.
Ability to maintain professional composure in stressful situations and take reasonable action in difficult situations.
Ability to multitask and work under pressure, interruptions, and 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.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Adobe Acrobat Pro.
Customer relations management experience.
Database management experience.

Responsibilities

Observe department staff in a variety of work settings.
Collect, analyze, compose, and disseminate information about City and departmental activities to the public, applicants, outside agencies, media, and community.
Conduct special studies for projects, analyze data, and make recommendations based on findings.
Prepare reports, progress summaries, statistical analyses, and related data.
Analyze, generate, and maintain records and reference materials for departmental use.
Update and maintain departmental website pages as requested.
Assist with content and dissemination of information through the City's social media outlets.
Assist with planning and execution of department special events.
Transport and disseminate departmental property, supplies, monies, equipment, and interagency correspondence to City Hall and other agencies or businesses.
Provide general administrative support, including composing correspondence, ordering supplies, completing check requests and purchase orders, and sorting and routing departmental mail.
Complete other duties as assigned.