College Student Intern- Police Services

The City of Boca Raton Internship Program provides qualified students with the opportunity to gain meaningful, real-world experience in local government operations. Through a structured internship term, interns are exposed to municipal functions across various City departments and work alongside experienced professionals in a public service environment.

Interns may support departmental projects, assist with administrative or operational activities, participate in research and analysis, and contribute to initiatives that support the City’s mission and service delivery. Assignments are designed to enhance academic learning, build practical skills, and promote professional development while offering insight into careers in public service.

Application Process

Review the internship’s essential functions, eligibility, and knowledge, skills, and abilities.

To apply for this internship, click on the “Apply” link at the top right corner of this posting.

Attached all required documents outlined in the Eligibility section to your application.

Department Description

Police Services Department: Police Services employs approximately 217 sworn officers and 116 civilian employees. Our Agency prides itself on the professional atmosphere and the professional demeanor of our employees. We strive to recruit only the most dedicated and qualified people.

The mission of the City of Boca Raton is to provide the highest quality of service to the community through responsible use of public resources to enhance our unique quality of life.

As a Police Services Intern, you will have a hands-on experience as you rotate across bureaus such as Road Patrol, Detective Bureau, Community Engagement, Special Operations, or Public Safety Dispatch.

Candidates Selected For An Internship Will Be Expected To Comply With All City And Department Rules And Regulations. In Addition, Candidates Will

• Shadow Police Officers in the course of their day-to-day duties, including ride along with Field Training Officers or designated Road Patrol Officers
• Learn about department Standard Operating Procedures, best practices, as well as State statutes and City Ordinances
• Shadow nonsworn personnel performing essential functions such as Crime Scene Technician, Public Safety Dispatcher, Real-Time Command Center Technician, or Crime Intelligence Analyst
  
  

By the end of your internship, you will have a deeper understanding of a municipal Police Services department, including sworn and nonsworn positions, and the varied career paths available to you.

Expectations

Candidates selected for an Internship will be expected to comply with all City and Department rules and regulations.

In Addition, Candidates Will Be Expected To

• Complete the required amount of hours in accordance with the college/university requirements.
• Wear proper attire while engaged in Intern activities.
• Conduct him/herself in a professional manner.
• Maintain the confidentiality of any information obtained through the Internship Program.
• Ensure that all required documentation required by the college/university is supplied to the Department Internship Coordinator.
• Understand that Interns are limited to non-enforcement assignments within the Police Department.
  
  

Knowledge Of

• Standard office and field equipment and procedures
• Police Services Standard Operating Procedures, best practices
• Florida State statutes and City of Boca Raton Ordinances
• Criminal justice principles to some degree
  
  

Skilled In

• Listening – demonstrate active listening with Staff, and general public.
• Communication – both written and oral interpersonal communication
• Critical thinking and situational awareness
  
  

Ability To

• Follow directions promptly and receive feedback.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with City officials, supervisors, associates, applicants, and the public.
• Interact with citizens effectively and contribute to maintaining a safe environment.
• Identify small details, correct errors, and notice patterns.
  
  

Program Term

Internships will have a prescribed beginning and end date but may be extended at the discretion of the Human Resources Director or designee. Program length will depend on the Division's budget, needs and staff levels.

The Police Services Department accepts Interns during each college semester.

Available Positions

The Police Services Department has two (2) internship positions available per college semester.

Minimum Eligibility

MINIMUM AND PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Candidates seeking to be considered for an Internship in Police Services must meet or comply with the following requirements:

• Attend a state accredited college or university.
• Have successfully registered for an internship class with the college or university; Criminology or related field of study is preferred.
• Supply a letter of intent from the college or university's Internship Program Director.
• Must complete an oral board interview
• Must successfully complete a pre-employment screening including a polygraph examination and an extensive background check.
  
  

Requirements (to Be Submitted With Application)

• Letter of Intent from your college or university’s Internship Program Director
• Unofficial transcript demonstrating current enrollment
  
  

Qualifications

The applicant must be of good moral character, have good communication skills, have good work ethic, and must be flexible and able to work well with others.

The applicant must successfully pass a complete background investigation to the satisfaction of the employer prior to appointment.

Post Offer Pre-employment Screening Requirements

Final offer and employment are contingent upon successful completion of the following post-offer, pre-employment screening items:

• Criminal Background Check
• Employment Verification
• Reference Checks
• Educational Verification
• Credit Check
• Fingerprinting
• Polygraph
• Neighborhood Check
• Drug and Alcohol Screen