Fullerton PD InternAt — Fullerton Police Department

Interns will work directly under the supervision of experienced personnel and gain hands-on exposure to crime scene investigation procedures, evidence handling, forensic documentation, and departmental operations.

This internship offers a unique opportunity to experience a structured, military-style environment while rotating through various units within the department. Students will observe and assist with different disciplines, develop practical skills, and gain valuable insight into real-world law enforcement and forensic practices.

Tasks:

Students will perform the following professional and pre-professional duties to demonstrate achievement of learning outcomes:

• Assist with crime scene processing activities, including documentation, photography observation, evidence inventory support, and maintaining chain-of-custody procedures under supervision.
• Support case preparation by organizing reports, reviewing documentation for accuracy and completeness, logging system, and assisting with evidence tracking systems.
• Participate in structured job shadowing across specialized units to analyze operational workflows and interdepartmental collaboration.
• Complete assigned analytical or research-based projects related to departmental operations, best practices, or process improvement.
• Assist with department-sponsored events, community outreach initiatives, and public safety programs to gain experience in professional representation and organizational engagement.
• All duties are substantive, skill-based, and aligned with professional standards in law enforcement and forensic operations, ensuring the experience warrants college-level credit.

Training:

• Students participating in this internship will receive structured and ongoing training designed to support their professional development and achievement of learning outcomes.
• At the start of the placement, interns will complete a mandatory general employer orientation, which includes an overview of department policies, safety procedures, confidentiality requirements, chain of command, and professional expectations within a structured, military-style law enforcement environment.
• Throughout the internship, students will participate in scheduled one-on-one mentor meetings to review progress, discuss learning objectives, and receive individualized feedback. They will engage in guided job shadowing across various units to gain exposure to departmental operations and understand how divisions collaborate to support investigations and public safety.
• Interns will also receive task-specific training, including contextual briefings before assignments to ensure they understand the purpose and relevance of their work. Where appropriate, students may review training materials, policies, and procedural literature to strengthen foundational knowledge. Practical skill development will occur through observation, supervised participation, exposure to work samples, and hands-on learning opportunities aligned with departmental guidelines.
• As a 24/7 agency, we offer flexible scheduling to accommodate the student’s academic commitments. Interns will coordinate their schedule directly with the supervising officer in accordance with their school schedule, with flexibility in days and hours provided that all required internship hours are completed.

Learning Outcomes:

• Demonstrate professional conduct and discipline by operating effectively within a structured, military-style law enforcement environment and adhering to departmental policies and chain of command.
• Apply foundational forensic principles by observing and assisting with crime scene processing, evidence handling, and documentation procedures under supervision.
• Develop an understanding of interdepartmental operations by rotating through various units and identifying how different divisions collaborate to support public safety and investigative objectives.

Risk Note:

Students may be exposed to high-crime areas when participating in supervised job shadowing or accompanying law enforcement personnel during calls for service. All such activities will be observational in nature and conducted under direct supervision in accordance with departmental safety protocols and policies.