Internships and Jobs in Criminal Justice

Internships in Criminal Justice

Internships in criminal justice are crucial for gaining practical experience and improving employability in various sectors of the field. Here are some common types of internship opportunities in criminal justice across different sectors:

  1. Law Enforcement
  • Local Police Departments: Interns can gain experience in various police department functions such as patrols, investigations, and community policing.
  • State Police Agencies: Offers internships in areas like highway patrol and investigative services.
  • Federal Agencies: Opportunities in agencies such as the FBI, DEA, ATF, and Homeland Security, which provide exposure to national security, drug enforcement, and firearms regulation.
  1. Legal System
  • Public Defender's Offices: Interns assist in legal research, client interviews, and case preparation.
  • District Attorney's Offices: Opportunities to work on case preparation, attend trials, and assist in the prosecution process.
  • Courts: Internships with local, state, or federal courts can provide insights into judicial processes, case management, and legal documentation.
  1. Corrections
  • State and Federal Prisons: Interns may work in rehabilitation programs, inmate services, or administrative offices.
  • Juvenile Detention Centers: Experience in juvenile rehabilitation efforts and support services.
  • Probation and Parole Departments: Offers exposure to case management, field supervision techniques, and reentry programs.
  1. Forensic Science
  • Crime Labs: Interns can assist in processing physical evidence, shadow forensic scientists, and learn about various forensic techniques.
  • Medical Examiner's Offices: Opportunities to assist in autopsies, understand death investigation processes, and forensic pathology.
  1. Academia and Research
  • Universities and Colleges: Internships in criminal justice research projects, helping professors in data collection and analysis.
  • Think Tanks and Research Institutes: Engage in policy research, attend workshops, and contribute to scholarly articles.
  1. Private Security and Investigation
  • Private Security Firms: Experience in corporate security, event security, and risk assessment.
  • Investigation Firms: Shadowing professional investigators, learning surveillance techniques, and participating in case reviews.
  1. Social Services and Advocacy
  • Community Non-profits: Working in programs aimed at crime prevention, victim support services, and community outreach.
  • Victim Advocacy Groups: Interns can assist in providing resources and support to victims of crime.
  1. Government and Policy
  • Local and State Government Internships: Opportunities in various municipal and state departments focusing on public safety and criminal justice policy.
  • Federal Government: Positions available in departments such as the Department of Justice, which offer insights into national policy-making and enforcement.

 

Jobs in Criminal Justice

These roles require varying levels of education and training, from associate degrees and certifications to bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees, depending on the complexity and responsibility of the position.

  • Police Officer
  • Detective
  • Federal Agent (e.g., FBI, DEA, ATF)
  • State Trooper
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Transit and Railroad Police
  • Sheriff's Deputy
  • Criminal Lawyer (Prosecutor or Defense Attorney)
  • Paralegal
  • Legal Assistant
  • Court Reporter
  • Victim Advocate
  • Judge
  • Magistrate
  • Correctional Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Parole Officer
  • Prison Warden
  • Case Manager
  • Forensic Scientist
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Forensic Accountant
  • Ballistics Expert
  • Forensic Anthropologist
  • Criminal Justice Professor
  • Research Analyst
  • Criminal Justice Instructor at a Police Academy
  • Private Investigator
  • Security Guard
  • Security Manager
  • Loss Prevention Specialist
  • Juvenile Justice Counselor
  • Youth Correctional Counselor
  • Social Worker
  • Child Protective Services Worker
  • Crime Data Analyst
  • Criminal Justice Policy Advisor
  • Emergency Management Director
  • Cyber Crime Investigator
  • Information Security Analyst
  • Digital Forensics Expert
  • Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agent
  • Human Rights Officer
  • Anti-Human Trafficking Coordinator