Police Department

SPD Internship Program

Overview

The Spokane Police Department's (SPD) Internship Program offers college students, who are interested in a law enforcement career, an enlightening, rewarding, and educational experience. The objective of the program is to provide a meaningful educational and work experience to the selected interns and present an opportunity to assess the police profession first-hand. The SPD Internship Program offers students an opportunity to observe and work in various functions of the police department such as Station Operations, Victim Assistance, Criminal Intelligence Unit, Records Management, Training, Community Policing/Patrol, Media/Public Relations, and Technology Support. Students will learn about SPD staffing, mission, activities, records, and services. Internships are composed of both observations and administrative work. Students are not required to major in Criminal Justice.

Compensation/Course Credit

Internships at SPD are unpaid. SPD encourages applicants to check with their college or university to determine whether the internship may qualify for course credit. If so, the SPD will submit any forms or evaluations required by the school. However, it remains the responsibility of the intern to verify whether course credit is available and to comply with all necessary college or university requirements.

Qualifications

Internships are open to college students currently enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate program at any college or university. A high school diploma or GED is required. A minimum of one year of experience in a professional working environment is strongly preferred. The intern selection process will be competitive due to the limited number of positions available. A qualifying student must be considered full-time student at a nationally accredited college or university and the following:

• 18 years of age
• Must receive college credits for the internship
• Must successfully complete a background check and polygraph examination.
• Must be willing to commit at least 300 hours to the internship position.

Intern Selection Process

1. Internship Application Submission (PDF 1.2 MB)
2. Interview
3. Background Investigation
4. Polygraph Examination
5. Acceptance or Denial to the SPD Internship Program
6. Completion and Submission of Internship Agreement (PDF 28 KB)
7. Completion and Submission of Volunteer Waiver and Release of Liability (PDF 67 KB)
8. Internship Begins

Application Process

All applicants must initially contact their college or university's internship coordinator or advisor to ensure all school requirements have been met and that you are eligible for our internship. An official document from your school stating your eligibility and the hours needed to fulfill the internship must be submitted with your Internship Agreement. Internship Applications are to be mailed or emailed to:

Spokane Police Department
Attn: Volunteer Services Unit
Public Safety Building
1100 W. Mallon Ave.
Spokane, WA 99260-0001 volunteer@spokanepolice.org

Application Deadlines

Summer: March 1st | Fall: May 1st | Spring: November 1st

The Spokane Police Department (SPD) accepts internship applications for the Spring, Summer, and Fall academic semesters. Applications received after the deadline will be kept on file, but will not receive priority consideration. Internships may not last less than one quarter or semester and may not exceed three quarters or two semesters.