As a student at Truman, the experience you gain from justice systems internships gives you an important edge in the competition for future professional employment and admission to graduate and professional schools. Firms that hire new college graduates rank internships as their most effective source of new recruits.

For summer internships, the best method is to explore opportunities near your hometown with local police departments and county attorney offices. For a more professional experience, consider seeking out national government agencies in locations such as St. Louis and Kansas City.

Local and city internship applications are typically due the semester before the internship starts while regional and national internship applications are due nearly a year before the internship starts. Standard tuition fees apply to internship credit.

Investigations

• Consumer Protection Division, Missouri Attorney General
  This internship opportunity in Jefferson City, Mo., is ideal for students interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement or planning to go to law school.
• Department of Homeland Security
  You can explore a wide variety of opportunities available through the US Secret Service, US Customs & Border Protection, and Federal Law Enforcement Training Center.
• FBI Honors Internship Program
  This paid opportunity in Washington, D.C., gives you a chance to work side-by-side with special agents and professional staff on important cases and management issues that may include forensics, computers, law, and more.
• The Washington Center
  For this immersive internship in Washington, D.C.,  you participate in small group meetings with members of Congress, site visits, embassy visits, workshops and other activities. Financial assistance and scholarships may be available.
• Office of Inspector General
  This volunteer program provides an opportunity for you to learn more about investigative activities related to fraud, waste, and abuse in locations that include Kansas City, St. Louis, Omaha, and Des Moines.
• Federal Law Enforcement Training Center
  If you plan to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, this internship program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience.
• United States Department of Justice
  An internship with INTERPOL gives you insight into transnational crime as well as law enforcement in the United State and around the world.

Law Enforcement

• Local Police Department
  Some of the best law enforcement internships are through your police department in your hometown where experiences can range from ride-alongs with officers, to helping in investigations, to attending court observations.
• Six Flags Security Department
  You have a couple of options for this internship opportunity in St. Louis. Gain experience as a security intern and learn to monitor traffic, verify information, and respond to emergency situations. Or work as a loss prevention officer intern and conduct investigations regarding employee/guest dishonesty.
• Worlds of Fun – Park Rangers/Security Assistants
  For this full-time paid internship in Kansas City, you work closely with the Kansas City Police Department and receive training in control defense tactics.
• Kirksville Police Department
  Opportunities may be available for  you to experience the inner workings of the local police department
• Missouri State Highway Patrol
  There are several internship possibilities within law enforcement and forensics.
• Missouri Department of Natural Resources
  You can also consider internship opportunities with the State Park rangers.

Forensics

• County Medical Examiners Offices
• Kansas City Police Department Lab
• St. Louis Metropolitan Police Laboratory

Prosecution/Courts/Law/Judiciary

County attorney offices and private law firms are also great opportunities for you to explore. Seek out local possibilities near your hometown.

• Attorney General’s Office, State of Iowa
• Georgetown University Law Center
  For highly motivated individuals thinking about a career in law or criminal justice, you can get hands-on experience in trial work by representing the role of a defense attorney and learn investigative field work throughout Washington, D.C.

Juvenile

• Normile Family Center
  Located right here in Kirksville, you can intern as a youth care specialist in the Residential Treatment Units or Security Detentions supervising children of abuse and neglect or juveniles between the ages of 12-18 in daily activities.
• Preferred Family Health Care
  For this opportunity also located in Kirksville, you can intern as a residential technician in the Adolescent and Adult Programs assisting individuals with daily living, educational activities and client monitoring.

Probation & Parole

• District #18B
  Kirksville, Missouri
  Telephone: 660-785-2430

Corrections

• Missouri Department of Corrections

Victims Counselors

• St. Charles Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
  A volunteer opportunity working with prosecutors and victims allows you to learn more about advocacy, and case management.