Collegiate Internship Program

Qualifications:

To be considered for The Collegiate Internship Program, applicants must be able to meet the following minimum standards:

• Be a U.S. citizen, by birth or naturalization, OR a lawful permanent resident (green card holder) at the time of application.
• Attend a U.S. - accredited college or university as either a full-time or part-time undergraduate, graduate, or post-doctoral student with at least 24 credits earned.
• Must be at least 18 years of age at the time of application.
• Be willing to serve as a volunteer (unpaid) member of the Department.
• Have and maintain at least a 3.0 GPA.
• Be in good standing academically, professionally, and overall while being able to successfully pass a background investigation.

Benefits

• The opportunity for students to earn academic credit through their college or university for their participation in the program.
• Access to ride-alongs and seminars that provide firsthand insight into the daily operations of law enforcement.
• The chance to observe operations at the Joint Operation Command Center, which serves as the primary hub for the coordination of emergency response activities in the city.
• A tour of the Metropolitan Police Academy Training Facility, and the opportunity to act as actors in simulations for recruit classes (when possible).
• Hands-on experience in the field that allows students to learn more about law enforcement and the criminal justice system in practice.
• Exposure to a diverse range of career paths in law enforcement and related fields, which can help students make more informed decisions about their future career aspirations.
• The opportunity to develop professional skills and make valuable connections with law enforcement professionals and other interns.

FAQs:

Why should I choose an internship with the MPD?

Collegiate Interns with the MPD receive excellent hands on training and experience. Supervisors at the MPD are invested in each student's professional development and ensure a wide range of opportunities across the Department are made available to the student.

Is the MPD Collegiate Internship Program paid?

The internship is not paid; however, it is a possible path to full-time employment.

Can I receive credit for completing the MPD Collegiate Internship Program?

Many past interns have received academic credit for completing an internship with the MPD. All arrangements must be made through your academic institution and the MPD will provide any required documentation once selected for the internship.

Is a car required for this internship?

Certain intern placements are only accessible by car. However, many of our interns do not have cars and are able to utilize the Metrorail and bus system. Whether or not you have a car will be taken into consideration when you are being placed to ensure you can access the placement location.

Do I have to be a Washington, DC, resident to participate in the internship?

Residency is not required, students from around the country relocate to the DC region for a semester or the summer to participate in the internship program. Interns will be responsible for their own housing arrangements.

I want to be a police officer when I graduate from school. Will I be able to participate in ride-alongs as part of my internship?

Absolutely, interns are encouraged to participate in ride-alongs to gain first-hand policing experience. These ride-alongs count as hours worked. Interns will also have the opportunity to participate in and assist with training at the Metropolitan Police Academy.

I don’t know what I want to do for a career. Will this internship help me make a decision?

In addition to daily intern duties, intern supervisors are able to accommodate each intern’s interests and expose them to a variety of units within the Department. Past interns have been able to participate in training at the Metropolitan Police Academy, conduct informational interviews with various members of the Department, participate in field trips with recruit officers, and even ride along with MPD's Harbor Patrol Unit.

I want to wear a uniform and gain hands-on law enforcement experience. Is this the right internship for me?

It is important to note that interns assist members of the Department and do not perform law enforcement duties. Certain placements are more hands-on than others. In addition to our internship program, feel free to consider our other volunteer opportunities, including reserve officer and citizen volunteer.

Will I be offered full-time employment with the MPD at the conclusion of my internship?

Completion of the internship does not guarantee full time employment; any person who wants to be employed by the MPD must complete the full hiring process. Graduating seniors may be eligible to participate in the Partnership for Experiential Learning track, during which they can complete the sworn hiring process during the second half of their internship. Many interns enjoy their experience with MPD and return as paid civilian employees, civilian volunteers, or sworn officers.

What does the background investigation consist of?

Intern applicants undergo a background investigation similar to that of sworn officers. Applicants will have to complete numerous questionnaires and will be asked to provide personal and professional references. More information will be provided after you submit your initial application.

Still have questions? Check the MPD Helpdesk to see if we’ve answered it.