Unpaid COH Student Intern (Crime Scene Investigations)

City of Huntsville • Huntsville, AL

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About The Position

This unpaid student internship is an educational learning experience within the City of Huntsville Police Department’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit. It is intended to complement academic coursework through exposure to crime scene investigation procedures, forensic evidence processing, and related law enforcement operations. Eligible participants must be currently enrolled in a college or university pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Crime Scene Management, or a related field, or have graduated within six months before the internship.

Under the guidance of experienced personnel, interns may observe and participate in structured learning activities involving crime scene documentation, evidence collection and preservation, forensic photography, report preparation, and laboratory or field processing methods. They may gain exposure to handling and analyzing physical evidence, including fingerprints, biological evidence, impressions, firearms-related evidence, and other evidentiary materials.

The internship supports educational and professional development and does not replace the work of regular employees. Interns are expected to maintain regular attendance, demonstrate professionalism, work effectively with staff and other participants, and complete assigned learning activities. Applicants must be willing to work a flexible schedule and indoors and outdoors. The internship requires a pre-employment fingerprint background check. Required application materials are a resume, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation or reference—at least two professional and one personal—submitted as a PDF or Word document in the appropriate application attachment sections before submitting the application. Incomplete and late applications will not be accepted.

Requirements

• High school diploma from a school accredited by a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, or a GED certificate issued by the appropriate state agency.
• Currently enrolled in college or university while pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice, Forensic Science, Crime Scene Management, or a related field, or graduated within six months before placement in the internship program.
• Official transcript verifying college enrollment or diploma received within the six months before placement.
• Cumulative GPA of at least 2.5 on a 4.0 scale.
• Prior work experience, community involvement, or participation in extracurricular activities.
• Ability to perform basic technical and business-related functions.
• Willingness to work a flexible schedule and indoors and outdoors.
• At least 19 years of age by hire date.
• Pass a pre-employment fingerprint background check.
• Submit a resume, cover letter, and three letters of recommendation or reference, including at least two professional and one personal, with the application.

Responsibilities

• Observe and participate in structured learning activities related to crime scene documentation.
• Learn evidence collection and preservation techniques.
• Gain exposure to forensic photography and report preparation.
• Observe or participate in laboratory or field processing methods.
• Gain exposure to handling and analyzing fingerprints, biological evidence, impressions, firearms-related evidence, and other physical evidence.
• Maintain regular attendance and professionalism while completing assigned learning activities.
• Work effectively with staff and other participants.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: High school or GED