Internships

Purpose

To work cooperatively with selected institutions of higher learning throughout New York State by providing qualified college students with the opportunity to intern in a Troop or at Division Headquarters.

Facility Assignment

Students are assigned to Zone, Troop, or Division Headquarters.

Length of Internship

Generally 120-150 hours during the semester.

Compensation

 Interns are not compensated.

Application Process 

Laboratory Internships:

The New York State Police Crime Laboratory System's Internship Program is designed to provide students and graduates with opportunities to learn more about the forensic science field. This internship opportunity is designed for students interested in forensic science who may be considering a career in that field.
Preference will be given to students who have completed their junior year in college and have a natural science major, although motivated, outstanding students who are earlier in their academic career can also be considered. 
Internships are designed to meet the needs of several education levels:

• Sophomores or juniors in college who have an interest in pursuing forensic science as a career choice.
• Seniors in college or college graduates who have a serious interest in joining the field of forensic science.

Candidates should:

• Have excellent work ethic and organizational skills.
• Be adept at learning scientific procedures and protocols.
• Be self-motivated, self-directed and self-disciplined.

Interns will assist with non-evidentiary tasks associated with:

• Collecting, documenting and testing of assigned materials.
• Establishing and searching databases.
• Testing and validating new methods.

Participants are assigned to various Crime Laboratory System Sections based on section need and applicant skill set. 

Students interested in participating in a laboratory specific internship program must initiate the application process by completing the google form here. All applications are due by December 31 of each calendar year and the application period for the summer session is closed by February 15 of each year. If selected to move forward in the process, applicants will be notified of the next steps to follow.

General Internships:
Students interested in participating in the internship program must initiate the application process by submitting an application on-line at the New York State Internships website.

Upon completion of the on-line application, the student must follow-up with the following required documentation:

• Internship Application
• Letter of Referral from School Official
• Official Transcript(s)
• Release of Information Form
• Resume

The above documentation must be submitted to:
New York State Police
Internship Coordinator
1220 Washington Avenue, Building 22
Albany, NY 12226-2252
 

Application Processing

Copies of the application package are sent by Division Headquarters to the Troop Commander or Section Supervisor who arranges for a candidate interview.

A background investigation is conducted on students recommended for internships. The successful applicant and State Police Supervisor will jointly develop the student's full schedule at the start of the internship.

Students learn about the organization, staffing, mission, activities, programs and services of the Division of New York State Police. In addition, they may be given a research project that addresses an issue of concern to the host Troop, the student, or the school.