Now recruiting for summer and fall 2025
The goal of the internship program is a partnership with students who are seeking future employment in the law enforcement profession. These students will learn the role of the criminal justice system and community-oriented policing. The goal is communicated and instructed by highly trained, self-motivated, and positive ambassadors of the department.
Requirements of applicants
- Current University of Pittsburgh student (regional campuses included)
- Must be a sophomore, junior, or senior
- Must be sponsored by a faculty member directly involved with this internship
- Must earn credits, and/or be a requirement of graduation
- Must pass a comprehensive background check
Length of the program
- Minimum of 120 hours per semester
- Offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters
How to apply
Contact: Officer Jamie Cunningham
- email: jac355@pitt.edu
- phone: 412.383.7802
- What year are you and what is your major?
I am a senior at the University of Pittsburgh majoring in biology and criminal justice.
- Why did you decide to intern with Pitt Police?
I was originally pre-med but gained an interest in the field of criminal justice and law enforcement throughout the years, which is what guided me to intern with the Pitt Police.
- Explain your experience interning with Pitt Police. What have you learned?
My time with the Pitt Police has been very insightful, educational, and overall, a fun experience. I have been part of the Citizens Police Academy as well, and we've been able to gain plenty of hands-on experience in each aspect of law enforcement, my favorite being going to the shooting range.
- What has been your favorite unit to work with so far and why?
My favorite unit that I've spent time with is probably patrol, although I have thoroughly enjoyed every other unit as well. Patrol has given me a lot of exposure to the reality of policing, and I've learned so much from the officers I've been on the road with. I've learned how most of policing is being one for the community and being able to engage with its members. Maintaining positive relationships and obtaining a mutual respect and understanding for others has been the core theme of everything I've learned. There's a lot of hard work and training that goes into the job.
- What are your professional goals after college?
After college, I plan on applying to the Pitt Police and becoming an officer myself. I have future aspirations to move up in the department and hopefully get into investigations and become a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) as well.
- What suggestions do you have for someone interested in interning with a police department?
My advice to anybody interested in this field would be to dip their toes in the water. Try out the internship and join the citizen's police academy to get a glimpse of what it's really like. This internship has shown me so many sides of policing and made me want to get in the field even more.
- What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I like to go to the gym, on walks, and try out new restaurants in the city with friends.
- What year are you and what university are you attending?
I am currently a senior at the University of Pittsburgh, set to graduate this December.
- What is your major?
I am pursuing a double major in Psychology and Law, Criminal Justice, and Society.
- Why did you decide to intern with Pitt Police?
I became interested in this program after participating in the Citizens Police Academy. It sparked my curiosity about the Pitt Police and the departments involved in maintaining campus safety, leading me to seek out the internship opportunity.
- Explain your experience interning with Pitt Police. What have you learned?
This internship has been incredibly educational. By shadowing different departments, I’ve gained firsthand experience and an inside look into how they handle challenges and respond to calls. Additionally, I’ve learned about the proactive and community work they do during their downtime.
- What has been your favorite unit to work with so far and why?
My favorite unit has been Investigations. I've always had a strong interest in criminal investigations, and it was an honor to observe the operations of this department and even assist at times.
- What are your professional goals after college?
After graduating, I plan to attend the police academy with the goal of pursuing a career in criminal investigations.
- What suggestions do you have for someone interested in interning with a police department?
I would highly recommend interning with Pitt Police to anyone considering a job in law enforcement. This internship offers unique experiences, and will also give a feel of what a career in law enforcement would be like and if its something you’re truly interested in.
- What are your hobbies?
In my free time, I enjoy weightlifting, watching baseball, playing poker with friends, and spending time with my family and four dogs.