Police Department Intern

Intern
Unpaid
Non-Benefits Eligible/ Non-VRS Eligible

Job Summary/ Objective:

The Albemarle County Police Department is actively recruiting an intern to join our team. The successful intern is responsible for building relationships with various community partners (PVCC, Mary Baldwin, etc.). The employment length will be for one semester (approximately 5 months) and will be unpaid. The successful applicant will work 135 hours and receive 3 credit hours towards their program. The successful applicant that is not affiliated with a higher education institution will work a minimum of seven hours per week and a minimum of three months.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

Essential Functions:

• This internship delivers practical exposure to core policing divisions and functions while grounding interns in accreditation, accountability, and policy-driven service.
• Interns will rotate through divisions, meet subject matter experts, review policy and accreditation standards, and engage in meaningful projects relevant to the assigned division.
• Supports the mission of the Albemarle County Police Department by participating in structured, supervised assignments across key operational divisions, including community services, patrol, investigations, and administrative support.
• Participates in a guided overview of core law enforcement functions, with emphasis on understanding the agency’s policies, accreditation standards, and the connection between departmental policy and daily practice.
• Engages in a progressive learning experience designed to expose the intern to the lifecycle of a police service call—from initial dispatch through patrol response, investigative follow-up, and resolution.
• Maintains regular communication with the assigned supervisor and submits weekly reflections summarizing learning outcomes and operational insights.
• Demonstrates professionalism, ethical conduct, and a commitment to public service in all interactions with department staff and members of the community.
• May work occasional hours during the evenings and weekends.
• Performs various administrative functions and other similar duties as assigned
• Actively enrolled as a student in an undergraduate program with an accredited college or university (including two (2) and four (4)-year colleges/universities, community colleges, and junior colleges)

Qualifications:

• *Eligible participants will have an expected graduation date following the commencement of the program*.
• Possess a legal right to work in the United States.
• Must have the ability to follow written and oral instructions.
• Enrollment Letter (from the University Registrar); or an Official Transcript from your current institution.
• Two (2) letters of recommendation dated within the past twelve months -
  • 1 Academic -required and
  • 1 Professional (recommended)
• Must be able to pass a background investigation

Required Education and Experience:

• Currently enrolled in a 2- or 4-year program at a college/university or have an interest in gaining experience by volunteering with a specific unit within the department.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Seeking a Criminal Justice or related degree with a GPA of at least 2.5.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Virginia driver’s license.

Physical and Mental Requirements:

• Able to provide own transportation to the work site(s).
• Able to commit to the full program required by the educational institution for credit.
• Must have the ability to maintain effective relationships with fellow employees and the public.

Awarded Credits:

• The successful applicant will receive 3 credit hours toward their enrolled program. This is an unpaid, temporary, FLSA non-exempt position.

Deadline for Applications : Position open until May 13, 2026

Remote Work :

This position is not eligible for remote work. All County staff must maintain residence within the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Process :

For consideration, please submit a resume and cover letter when applying for this role.

Virginia Values Veterans

Albemarle County is a V3 certified organization

EOE/EEO

Albemarle County is an equal employment opportunity employer, and does not discriminate against any group or individual on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, age or disability in regards to any aspect of employment policy and practice: recruitment, testing, selection, assignment, pay conditions of work, training, leave, overtime, promotion, discipline, demotion, and separation.


Albemarle County Core Values:

Albemarle County holds its employees to the highest standards in fulfilling the County’s Vision and Mission. We believe in excellence in public service through

Community: We expect diversity, equity and inclusion to be integrated into how we live our mission.

Integrity: We value our customers and co-workers by always providing honest and fair treatment.

Innovation: We embrace creativity and positive change.

Stewardship: We honor our role as stewards of the public trust by managing our natural, human, and financial resources respectfully and responsibly.

Learning: We encourage and support lifelong learning and personal and professional growth.

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• Albemarle County

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