Department of the Public Defender, County of San Diego

Our office represents individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. Our Investigative Internship exposes our volunteers to the criminal justice system, including jails, the homeless, and people with various mental and substance abuse issues.

Our offices are secure, but interns will have opportunities to go to the field and into the community with staff. Sometimes we venture into crime scenes, areas with gang injunctions, and visit the unhoused where we can find them.

Photography and video is not allowed in the courthouse buildings.

Please note:

This internship may present additional risks due to being in an area with elevated crime statistics and/or you may be asked to engage with individuals who have criminal backgrounds or are considered high-risk. Additionally, some sites may involve emotionally sensitive environments that require thoughtful engagement and self-awareness, for example working with individuals navigating crisis, recovery, or transitional life circumstances. These experiences can be deeply meaningful and offer valuable learning opportunities—but they also require preparation, awareness (emotional and physical), and open communication. Increased situation awareness should be exercised and extra care and precautions for personal safety and emotional well-being should be taken. Ensure that you meet with your site supervisor to understand the specific risks associated with your internship site (also consider safety protocols and emotional demands), as well as the appropriate measures you can take to mitigate and/or respond to these risks. Your orientation at the site should also include a general site safety orientation. 

Before entering any unfamiliar environment or location or meeting with clients, you are encouraged to: 

• Ask Questions Freely: Never hesitate to seek clarification from your supervisor. You are encouraged to speak up. If you're unsure about the location, the nature of the visit, or the individuals involved, ask your supervisor for details. 

• Gather Pertinent Information: Request details about the location/setting (communal, monitored, controlled, etc.), nature/purpose of the visit, and the individuals you’ll be meeting. Know what to expect and understand your environment. 

• Understand Safety Controls: Ask what controls or safety measures are in place at the site. This includes security presence, emergency procedures, and how to communicate if you need assistance. These controls are also useful in areas with elevated crime statistics. 

• Clarify Whether You’ll Be Alone: Confirm whether you’ll be accompanied or expected to complete the task independently. This affects how you prepare and how comfortable you feel. 

• Assess Your Comfort Level: You have the right to express whether or not you feel comfortable proceeding with any assignment. Your well-being is a priority and your voice matters. 

PARKING – Coming and going safety tips (Best Practices) 

• When exiting the building/leaving worksite, be present and aware of your surroundings. Avoid distractions such as phones when walking. 

• Carry an emergency device such as a whistle, or a flashlight with a strobe function. 

• When possible, park near the entrance of the location in which you are working. 

• When possible, park near or under lighting within the location in which you are working  

• Leave work with others (buddy system).  

• Before exiting the worksite, locate your keys and carry in hand. 

• Unlock only the driver side of your vehicle. 

• Place items in the vehicle, turn on ignition and leave. Avoid staying in parked position.