What are the responsibilities and job description for the Police Intern position at St. Louis County?
The St. Louis County Police Department's Internship Program is intended to provide a comprehensive overview of the entire law enforcement process for full-time college students in junior or senior status. The St. Louis County Police Intern will receive exposure to an extensive array of Department resources in each of the Department's Divisions. The intern program includes, but is not limited to Ride-On-Patrol with each of the eight (8) County Police Precincts, the Bureau of Communications, the Crime Scene Unit, the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy and more. These assignments will introduce the intern to various elements in the Department, while assisting the staff as needed. The Police Crime Lab is not included in the program at this time.
Since the Department's internship program is able to offer such a diverse experience and thorough introduction to numerous aspects involved in policing, we have developed not only qualified future applicants, but a reputation as one of the area's finest programs. Due to this reputation, the selection process is highly competitive. Online applications must be submitted by the deadline date for consideration.
APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES:
Internship applications will be accepted for each term through the time frame listed below.
Spring: September 1 through November 30
Summer: February 1 through April 30
Fall: May 1 through July 31
Duties will vary based on assignment. The ideal applicant must be willing to assist staff with assignments as needed, follow instructions with minimal supervision and have reliable transportation to get to each assignment on time.MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
RESIDENCY: No residency requirement. Must be a citizen of the United States or must possess a valid work permit and must submit an application for United States citizenship when eligible.
EDUCATION REQUIREMENT: The ideal applicant would be a full-time student with junior or senior status at an accredited college or university. Each applicant should have a minimum 2.5 cumulative grade point average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale and a strong interest in a career in law enforcement.
ARREST RECORD: Must be free from conviction of a Felony. A Class “A” Misdemeanor conviction will be cause for immediate dismissal from the process, unless otherwise directed by the Chief of Police.
PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG GUIDELINE: Any illegal drug use of possession within the past 12 months will be considered automatic disqualifiers in the pre-employment selection process for all Police Department applicants.
Under the regulations of the Department, the selection process is conducted under the supervision of the Personnel Services Unit. Applications are accepted online and must be submitted by the deadline date. The posting will be removed from the website until two months prior to the following school semester. Each applicant must successfully complete each stage of the selection process before becoming eligible to proceed to the next step. The selection steps, in their order, could take up to four months to complete:
APPLICATION: Application for Internship positions must be submitted online. Supporting documentation will be required following the application.
ACADEMIC REFERRAL: Submit a written referral from the College/University Internship Coordinator, Advisor or Facilitator prior to being considered.
PRELIMINARY REVIEW: A review and detailed evaluation of the Internship Personal History Questionnaire and supporting documents will be conducted to determine if applicant meets the minimum recommended requirements for the position.
RECORD CHECK: A police record check will be conducted.
COORDINATOR’S INTERVIEW: A further evaluation to determine the candidate’s overall fitness for the position, including professional appearance, self-expression, mental alertness and suitability for internship duties as well as the candidate’s educational record and interest level in a law enforcement career.
BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION: A background investigation will be conducted on internship applicants. This investigation may include all of the following: past employment record and reputation, personal and academic references, military record and criminal history (when applicable).
FINAL REVIEW: The Commander, Personnel Services Unit, will review the Personal History Questionnaire and supporting documentation and forward their recommendations to the Chief of Police for approval or disapproval of the applicant.
SCHEDULING: Following the approval of the Chief of Police, the Internship Coordinator will coordinate the scheduling and assignments.
PROGRAM COMPLETION: The Commander, Personnel Services Unit, will provide written notification to the appropriate academic personnel that the intern has or has not successfully completed the program.
APPLICATION DATES AND DEADLINES:
Internship applications will be accepted for each term through the time frame listed below.
Spring: September 1 through November 30
Summer: February 1 through April 30
Fall: May 1 through July 31
CITIZENSHIP: Citizen of the United States or valid work permit, and apply for citizenship when eligible.
AGE LIMITS: Eighteen (18) years of age at the time of appointment.
EDUCATION: Educational requirements and skills will be determined by the position classification.
ARREST: Must be free from conviction of a felony or a Class "A" misdemeanor.
MILITARY: Must not have a "Dishonorable" discharge or "Bad Conduct" discharge if having served in the military. All "Other Than Honorable" discharges will be reviewed on an individual basis.
TATTOO POLICY: Department employees shall not display tattoos that are visible on the face, neck, or head. Tattoos which may be visible in a short sleeve uniform will be considered by the Chief of Police on a case-by-case basis. Imagery which may be deemed inappropriate or offensive in nature shall be considered grounds for disqualification. Applicants will be required to provide a photograph and explanation to provide context of any visible tattoos.
AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: The Board of Police Commissioners resolved that subject to all applicable State and Federal statutory or judicial exemptions, all qualified applicants for employment and/or advancement, whether commissioned or civilian, shall be given equal opportunity for consideration, selection, appointment and retention, regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or political affiliation.