Police Internship Program – Summer 2026 (Approximately May to August 2026, with some flexibility)

Volunteer Centre County; State College (Centre County); On-site; USD 18,184 - 25,898; Full time

Job summary

A local governmental organization is offering a Police Internship Program in State College, PA, for the summer of 2026. This role is designed for students looking to gain practical experience in law enforcement by observing and assisting patrol officers in their daily activities. Interns must be 18 and maintain a GPA of 2.5 or higher while completing the required application process, including a background check and compliance with vaccination policies.

Qualifications

• Must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher.
• Must sign a confidentiality agreement first.
• Must comply with vaccination policy when offered the internship.

Responsibilities

• Provide participants with an experience similar to that of an entry-level police officer.
• Observe daily activities of patrol officers like incident response and investigation.
• Assist detectives with ongoing investigations.

Skills

Valid driver's license

Strong communication skills

Ability to work in a team

Education

Currently enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited school

Job description

Police InternshipProgram – Summer 2026 (Approximately May to August 2026, with some flexibility)

Share:

Civic

Job Function:

Safety, Resource Protection

Job Type:

Full-time

Location:

Date Posted:

March 11, 2026

Application Deadline:

April 03, 2026

$16 per hour

More opportunities with State College Borough

Qualifications Needed

Minimum requirements:

• Applicants must be 18 years of age or older and United States citizens.
• Applicants must have a valid driver's license and an acceptable driving record.
• Applicants should not have been convicted of, pleaded guilty to, or entered a plea of nolo contendere to any felony charge, or to any violations of any federal or state laws relating to force, violence, theft, dishonesty, gambling, or controlled substances.
• Misdemeanor charges may be a reason for dismissal from the application process and will be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
• Summary charges (non‑traffic and traffic offenses) may also be a reason for dismissal from the application process and must be reported. These violations will also be considered on a case‑by‑case basis.
• No illegal use/abuse of controlled substances.
• Must be a current student enrolled and attending at least a two‑ or four‑year accredited school or university.
• Must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher (or otherwise be in good academic standing).
• Must be willing to sign a confidentiality agreement and consent to a criminal background check.
• Must comply with the vaccination policy upon conditional offer and prior to the start of the internship.
• If applicable, honorable discharge from Military Service.

Education

Must be a current student enrolled and attending at least a two- or four-year accredited school or university.

Experience Level

Must maintain a Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or higher (or otherwise be in good academic standing).

Responsibilities

The purpose of this internship is to provide participants with a similar experience to that of an entry level police officer. Interns will be introduced and familiarized to the various components of law enforcement and their specific roles in the criminal justice system. The internship will focus primarily on the duties and tasks of patrol officers with a supplemental exposure to criminal investigations and community relations.

Interns will directly observe the daily activities carried out by patrol officers such as incident response, investigation, training, warrant service, arrest, and courtroom testimony. Daily tasks and duties will be assigned to interns that mimic the responsibilities of the officers they observe, providing real life experience in the field. All tasks and assignments are designed to help create a foundation for those interested in a career in the law enforcement profession, specifically policing.

Interns will be provided the opportunity to work in criminal investigations where they may be assigned tasks to assist detectives with ongoing investigations. Interns will also be introduced to the community relations aspect of law enforcement and the importance of building trust with those the police serve.

Additional Information

The deadline to apply for the police internship program is April 3, 2026.