Police Intern (Unpaid)

City of Davenport•Davenport, IA

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The Davenport Police Department offers a dynamic, credit-bearing internship program in partnership with area universities. This program provides students with hands-on experience and training in law enforcement, exposing them to various areas within the department. Interns will gain practical experience in patrol techniques, criminal investigations, community policing, crime prevention, traffic enforcement, and identification and records procedures. The internship is primarily observational (approximately 90%) with some actual work (10%). The goal is to provide a comprehensive learning experience covering the full spectrum of department functions, allowing students to compare academic knowledge with real-world law enforcement situations. Interns serve for one full semester, receive college credit, and must adhere to DPD general orders and professional standards. This is an unpaid position.

Requirements

Currently enrolled college or university student pursuing the internship for academic credit.
Minimum cumulative grade point average of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
Met all university internship requirements and be eligible for placement through their university internship coordinator.
Documentation of eligibility from the university internship coordinator is required.
Submit to and pass a polygraph screening/examination.
Pass a background check, reviewing past criminal history, driving record, drug use, and moral turpitude.
Cover letter and resume are required with the application.

Nice To Haves

Prior work experience
Extracurricular activities
Special skills
Volunteer experience

Responsibilities

Observe and, where appropriate, participate in patrol operations across different shifts, including beat patrol, calls for service, and emergency situations.
Observe and, where appropriate, participate in criminal investigations within the Detective Bureau and Tactical Operations Bureau.
Observe and, where appropriate, participate in community policing and crime prevention activities.
Observe and, where appropriate, participate in traffic enforcement and traffic safety operations.
Observe and, where appropriate, participate in crime scene, identification, and records procedures within the Records Bureau and Property & Evidence Unit.
Apply criminal justice and law enforcement concepts and theories to real-world practice.
Develop and improve skills in communication, technology, deductive reasoning, and teamwork.
Observe and participate in law enforcement operations and decision-making.
Meet professional role models and potential mentors.
Expand a network of professional relationships and contacts.
Develop a professional demeanor and a commitment to ethical conduct.
Assume many of the responsibilities of an employee from the start of the internship.
Acquire a basic working knowledge of the department's functions by the end of the internship.