City of Arcata: Police Department

The Arcata Police Department (APD) welcomes Cal Poly Humboldt students in for-course-credit experiences, and might be able to accept a couple of students per semester, depending on current needs and staff availability. Please be aware of the following:

1. Students interested need to first read over the information and complete the volunteer application (see application and screening process below).
2. Students will be expected to agree to and show up to scheduled service hours (please recognize that APD staff make efforts to set aside time in their important business to host students and volunteers).  If you cannot make an appointed time, please responsibly communicate this to your site supervisor. If you have any problems reaching your APD site supervisor, please communicate this with the faculty overseeing your class. Please respect your role as an HSU student ambassador with this essential community organization - for yourself, your course and future opportunities for HSU students.
3. APD currently offers the following opportunities, all dependent on staff availability, APD and current semester circumstances, and student capabilities. Example Positions include:
   1. Arcata Police Department Experience
   2. Develop Survey Instrument
   3. Create and Present Expectations To APD
   4. House Party Protocol
4. The process to apply for, and be screened for an Academic Internship, Service Learning or volunteer position with the Arcata Police Department is as follows:
   1. The student completes a City of Arcata internship application which can be obtained from the City of Arcata’s Personnel Department at 736 F Street. (This might be available digitally in the future).
   2. Once the application is received by the APD, the Chief of Police will notify the HSU faculty member overseeing the course that a student has applied to the program.  The Chief will then schedule and conduct an interview with the applicant to, in consultation with HSU faculty, determine the preferences of the student given the available internship, Service Learning and volunteer positions within the organization.
   3. The applicant will undergo live scan fingerprinting for a check of DOJ and FBI databases.
   4. The applicant will present a valid photo identification to the Chief of Police.
   5. With applicant authorization the Department will conduct a computer query for any prior contact with local law enforcement agencies.