Police Intern

Take your studies to the next level and gain real-world-experience in law enforcement as our Police Intern with the Durango Police Department. Our semester-long internship program offers hands-on experience that complements your academic studies as a college student, along with the potential for course credit. This is a great opportunity to build a professional network, setting the stage for a future career in government service or law enforcement.

City of Durango’s Trail to Excellence 
The City of Durango is a purpose-driven organization with more than 400 full-time and 300 part-time and seasonal employees across 15 departments, all working together to provide a wide range of services that keep our community running every day. From public safety and utilities to parks and recreation, our team is dedicated to delivering high-quality services that enhance the lives of all who live, work, and visit here. 

At the city, we focus on continually improving how we work and serve the community. This effort is called the Trail to Excellence (T2E), and every employee plays a part in it. Whether you work outdoors, in an office, or lead a team, your daily efforts connect to the city’s mission of providing excellent service and reaching the city’s vision of being a multigenerational community that is authentic, diverse, engaged, thriving, and environmentally responsible. The full details of this vision are outlined in the city’s strategic plan. 

As a member of our team, your work will be meaningful because: 

• Your ideas help shape citywide improvements. 
• The work you do ties directly into measurable goals. 
• You'll be part of a system that values collaboration, innovation, and results. 

We're looking for team members who share our core values of teamwork, dependability, professionalism, service, respect, innovation, and wellbeing — and who are excited to make a difference in the community we serve.What You’ll Do in This Role: 

As an intern with the Durango Police Department, you’ll gain valuable work experience and on-the-job training in various aspects of police work. Assignments may include shadowing the Records Department, Detective Bureau, Court Liaison, Emergency Communication Center, Police Operations, and Police Administration. You’ll also participate in sit-alongs, ride-alongs, and tours.  

Project assignments may include assistance with gathering survey data, assisting with data entry, gathering research to complete projects as required for classwork, being involved with shadowing case follow-up, reporting about observance of community outreach efforts, and learning about social media development and assistance. The intern assignments will vary and are designed to allow students the experience of the daily operations within a law enforcement agency. Reporting to a command officer, you will complete assignments and tasks while maintaining a journal of activities to assist in the evaluation process. Interns are expected to conduct a research project at the conclusion of their semester working with the Durango Police Department.

Benefits of the Internship:
This paid internship is a non-sworn position that offers you the opportunity to: 

• Gain insight into the daily operations of a law enforcement agency. 
• Enhance your resume and explore career options. 
• Network professionally within your field of interest. 
• Apply academic knowledge in the workplace. 
• Connect and engage with the local community. 
• Receive training in department records and computer systems. 
• Learn about public records law and privacy/confidential concerns. 
• Gain insight into the court/judicial process and investigative/operational procedures. 
• Develop your understanding of research methodologies. 
  

To Qualify, You Must Be: 

• Eighteen years of age or older. 
• A U.S. citizen or Lawful Permanent Resident. 
• Currently enrolled in a college or university, in good standing. 
• Able to work a minimum of 8 hours and up to 15 hours per week. 
• Covered by sufficient health insurance. 
• Able to pass a background investigation with no felony convictions or disqualifying criminal histories. 
• Detail-oriented and organized.  
• Able to complete projects within timelines and under minimal supervision.  
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, research methods, and technical writing. 

How to Apply: 

Internships with the Durango Police Department typically run for one semester, either in fall or spring. Online applications must be submitted through the City of Durango Career page at www.durangoco.gov/jobs. To be considered, please provide a current resume with your application. 

If selected for an interview, you will be required to provide the following: 

• Government-issued photo ID 
  
• Unofficial copy of your transcripts 
  
• Update-to-date resume 
  

A background investigator will schedule an interview with you if you pass the initial screening. You must successfully pass a background investigation and complete and sign an Authorization for the Release of Information Form, allowing access to your references and previous employers. 

To view the full College Student Police Intern job description, click here.