IACP Student Internship Program
Each semester the International Association of Chiefs of Police hires a select number of students (graduate and/or undergraduate) from colleges and universities across the country. Internships last approximately 12 weeks, with room for flexibility depending on needs or requirements of the student. Interns start their internship at the same time due to intense 2-day orientation sessions. Interns have a flexible work schedule with a maximum 32 hour workweeks. Interns earn $10 per hour. Most applicants are seeking credited internships however non-credit applicants are also accepted.
Student assignments vary each semester due to the programmatic demands of the eight divisions of the IACP, and the project priorities of each of these divisions. Intern duties/responsibilities will also vary based on the project/manager that the intern has been assigned to. Interns may be assigned to work on one priority project or a portfolio of efforts. Law enforcement topics that interns will be involved in will include, for example: police legislation, global policing, gun violence, victim response, use of force, mentoring, leadership, violence against women, immigration, and intelligence/terrorism.
During each semester, in addition to their assigned duties, interns will have the opportunity to ride-along with a selected area police department; take at least one educational field trip (for example, a working lunch/ meeting with a local law enforcement leader or a meeting on Capitol Hill); and participate in other professional development opportunities as they arise. IACP firmly believes that a successful internship program must ensure that students learn, and participate fully in agency work in equal parts. Internships conclude with exit interviews and completed intern questionnaires.
Intern Qualifications/ Expectations
- Good writing, communication and computer skills
- Good interpersonal skills (ability to work and get along with fellow interns, coworkers and supervisors)
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively
- Receptive to instructions
- Team player (everyone pitches in to get the job done)
- Ability to be flexible and be multi-task oriented
- Experience working in a professional/business environment
- Creative thinking, ability to express ideas and opinions. (We value everyone’s opinion and interns are considered a part of the team.)
Application Requirements
- Cover Letter
- Updated Resume
- Transcript
- Writing Sample
- Letter of Recommendation
If there is a particular area of law enforcement or justice that you are particularly interested in exploring, please let us know. While IACP cannot guarantee a specific program placement, we do want to give you every opportunity to learn, network and make the most of your experience.
Internship applications can be submitted by e-mail to trahilis@theiacp.org or by mail at:
Eleni Trahilis
Internship Coordinator
International Association of Chiefs of Police
515 N. Washington Street.
Alexandria, VA 22314
For more information please contact Eleni Trahilis at trahilis@theiacp.org or call 1-800-THE-IACP (1-800-843-4227 ext. 392).