Job Description
Job Description
SUMMARY DESCRIPTION
Class specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees in the class. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.
The Police Intern position provides students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in law enforcement, community policing, and public safety. Interns will work alongside police personnel in various divisions to observe and assist with daily operations, investigations, patrol functions, and administrative duties. This program is designed to enhance students’ understanding of the criminal justice system while fostering professional development in a structured environment.
REPRESENTATIVE DUTIES
The following duties are typical for this classification. Incumbents may not perform all of the listed duties and/or may be required to perform additional or different duties from those set forth below to address business needs and changing business practices.
- Assist officers with patrol duties (ride-along) during designated hours
- Observe and participate in administrative tasks, report writing, and case management
- Engage in specialized training sessions covering police operations, law enforcement rights, crime prevention, use of force policies, and more
- Support investigations by learning crime scene processing, evidence handling, and basic interview techniques
- Gain experience in traffic enforcement, DUI detection, and accident investigation
- Observe courtroom procedures and police testimony in legal proceedings
- Assist with community policing initiatives and outreach programs
- Work with dispatch personnel to learn radio communications and emergency response protocols
- Maintain confidentiality of sensitive law enforcement information
- Follow all department policies, procedures, and guidelines for professional conduct
PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT
The conditions herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.
- Interns will be assigned a pre-determined schedule based on academic requirements and department availability
- Shifts will include day and night patrols, dispatch training, investigative observations, and courtroom visits
- Interns must sign in/out daily and obtain supervisor approval for training hours
- Interns will remain in patrol vehicles unless otherwise directed for safety reasons
QUALIFICATIONS
The following generally describes the knowledge and ability required to enter the job and/or be learned within a short period of time in order to successfully perform the assigned duties.
(Qualifications and Requirements can be changed based on the department’s needs as determined by the Chief of Police)
- Must be at least 18 years of age
- Currently enrolled in a Criminal Justice or related degree program with a minimum 3.0 GPA
- Must pass a background check, including criminal history and character assessment
- U.S. citizen in good physical and mental condition
- Professional demeanor and ability to follow department protocols
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to work flexible hours, including nights and weekends as assigned
- Must provide and wear designated "Intern" uniform (business casual attire)
- Interns must agree to and sign a provided waiver of liability prior to the assignment of any tasks or duties associated with this position.
License or Certificate:
N/A
Knowledge of:
N/A
Past Performance & Experience:
N/A
.
DISCLAIMER:
Must perform the essential duties and responsibilities with or without reasonable accommodation efficiently and accurately without causing a significant safety threat to self or others; the above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and/or skill required of all personnel so classified. The job description is not an employment agreement and/or expressed or implied employment contract.
Management has the exclusive right to alter this job description at any time without notice. Employment with the City of Tupelo is at-will and may be terminated at any time without notice by either the employee or the employer with or without cause.
To comply with the Americans Disability Act (ADA), the City may make reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities to enable them to perform the essential job functions.