The Fairfax County Police Department Internship Program embraces the college community while partnering through a cooperative effort and commitment to college students. Our goal is to facilitate a greater understanding of the law enforcement community. Interns will gain exposure to a broader educational experience with practical and hands-on law enforcement activities. In addition, we hope to encourage each college intern to consider future employment with our agency.
Undergraduate Internship
What Requirements Are Needed?
Prospective undergraduate interns will be required to complete a background investigation, which includes criminal records check, and background interview. Applicants must have completed the first semester of their freshman year. It is preferred that their major be in the field of Criminal Justice, Public Administration, and Analytics. Other majors are acceptable if the candidate has demonstrated a commitment to a law enforcement career and the college or university allows the internship for the studies program. Due to budgetary constraints, no salary or stipend is available.
Where Will I Be Interning?
Internships will occur at various Fairfax County Police Department sub-stations and divisions throughout the County.
What Is the Selection Procedure?
Selection will focus on background considerations to determine whether a prospective intern can be admitted to a secure work site and be trusted to handle sensitive and confidential information, both per policy and in a mature manner. The critical component of the selection procedure includes the abbreviated Personal History Statement (PHS), the background interview, and completed investigation.
Eligibility Standards
To be considered for an undergraduate Police Internship Program, you must be able to meet the following minimum standards:
- U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien.
- Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Completed your first semester of college, preferably receiving 3-15 credit hours from internship from college/University.
- Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Analytics, Media relations or other major if the candidate has demonstrated a commitment to a law enforcement career.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better. (Official college transcript required)
- A copy of the academic requirements indicating that enrollment for academic credit hours is necessary for degree completion.
- Possess a good character and reputation.
- Have never committed, been involved in, or convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
- Illegal drug use will be scrutinized depending on the type of drug, and frequency of use.
- Have the ability to perform essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Interns will not receive monetary compensation. The interns are responsible for tracking all hours. Each intern must maintain a daily log of activities for submission.
- The college or university must be willing to accept the Fairfax County Police Department Internship Letter of Agreement in place of the academic institution’s own liability indemnification agreement or letter. (If planning on receiving college credits)
Graduate Internship
Graduate-level internship opportunities are available within the Victim Services Section, Public Affairs Bureau, Health and Wellness Division, and other specialized divisions throughout the Fairfax County Police Department. These internships are designed for individuals pursuing a master’s degree in behavioral health, wellness, psychology, social work, media relations, criminology, or other public safety support fields. The internship must be a requirement of the candidate’s academic program. Applicants seeking a graduate-level internship will be required to interview with the Director and/or Commander of the respective division.
Anyone interested in applying for a graduate internship with the agency should email their resume to FCPDinternships@fairfaxcounty.gov, attention: Graduate Internships Program.
How to Apply
Submit your resume by email to FCPDinternships@fairfaxcounty.gov a minimum of 60 days prior to the academic semester. Internships follow the academic year (Spring, Summer, and Fall semesters).
Undergraduate Path
Someone from the Youth Services Unit will reply and supply you with the required documents if you meet minimum requirements. Undergraduate applicants must complete and pass:
- Complete & return Personal History Statement packet
- Background Investigation
- Personal Interview
- Polygraph (If recommended)
Graduate Path
Add “attention: Graduate Internships Program” to your email subject line. Graduate applicants interview directly with the Director or Commander of the respective division, not through the Youth Services Unit selection process, and the internship must be a requirement of your academic program.
Fairfax County Police Department is an EEO employer committed to non-discrimination and to diversity in the workplace. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call the Personnel Resources Division at 703-246-7560.