Program Overview

The Rhode Island State Police Volunteer Internship Program provides an opportunity for students currently enrolled in a College or University Program to learn and volunteer through first-hand participation in law enforcement or related criminal justice careers. The program fosters a better understanding of the challenges, hazards, and rewards of a career within the Division of State Police. Interns are unpaid and will receive a basic understanding of law enforcement functions and work with supervisors who manage the day-to-day operation of the Rhode Island State Police. Interns have the ability to combine academic study with on-the-job experience.

Each internship placement and experience will vary depending on assignment. Past interns have had diverse educational interests such as criminal justice, criminology, forensic science, digital forensics, information technology, law and other courses of study. Volunteer Interns will spend 10 weeks with a supervisor on an array of assigned tasks. An internship at the Rhode Island State Police is a prearranged, structured learning experience scheduled to align with the standard college semesters. Interns are scheduled to work between 6 to 12 hours per week between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday. Applicants should be aware that travel costs are the sole responsibility of the intern and that interns are not compensated.

Prior to placement, the Rhode Island State Police conducts a preliminary background records check and an in-person interview to acclimate students to the Division’s intern policies and practices. Once placed, Interns are provided with a supervisor who shall serve as the primary point of contact throughout the internship experience.

Internship Application Process

Step 1: Application

Your complete application packet must include all of the following in order to be considered:

• Completed Application for Internship to include signed "Authorization for Release of Information" document and "Agreement to Release, Defend, Hold Harmless and Indemnify" document (fillable PDF or legible hand writing)
• Current resume
• An unofficial transcript
• Letter of referral from advisor
• A copy of a photo ID

NOTE: The Rhode Island State Police Volunteer Internship Program accepts a maximum of 20 interns per semester, on a first come, first served basis. Applications will be processed in the order they are received. Incomplete application packets will not be processed or considered for interview/placement in the internship program.

Your complete application must be received by the below deadlines to be considered for placement in the requested semester.

Your complete application must be mailed to the below address, by the applicable deadline, in order to be considered for placement:

Internship Coordinator

Rhode Island State Police

Planning, Research & Accreditation Unit

311 Danielson Pike

North Scituate, RI 02857-1907

Step 2: Processing

Once the complete application packet is received, all communication will be via email. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure that the contact email address is included and legible in order for the application to be processed. Upon receipt and review of complete application packets, a preliminary background records check will be conducted and applicants will be contacted to schedule an interview.

Step 3: Interview

Interviews will be conducted at State Police Headquarters and will include a review of the Division’s intern policies and practices, the applicant’s goals, credit hour requirements (if applicable), available internship positions and next steps. Once the interview is scheduled, instructions and information regarding the interview will be forwarded via email.

Step 4: Placement

The Rhode Island State Police Internship Program is competitive and selections are based on academic achievement, area of study, life/work experiences, as well as the availability of intern positions at the Rhode Island State Police. Applicants will be placed based on the application and interview process. If approved for participation and placement, the Internship coordinator will notify the applicant and provide Supervisor contact information for scheduling.