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Police Intern Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

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Police Intern information

What is a police intern?

Police interns are students or recent graduates who work with law enforcement agencies to gain practical experience in police work. They assist officers and staff with administrative tasks, community outreach, research, and sometimes ride-alongs, but they do not have arrest powers. Internships help participants learn about the criminal justice system, develop professional skills, and explore career opportunities in law enforcement. These positions are typically temporary and unpaid or modestly compensated, and they often require a background check and an application process.

What does a police intern do?

As a Police Intern, your daily responsibilities may include assisting with administrative work, observing officers during patrols, supporting community outreach programs, and helping with data entry or case file organization. Interns often have opportunities to attend briefings, participate in ride-alongs, and shadow different units to gain a well-rounded perspective of police operations. While direct involvement in law enforcement activities may be limited, you’ll collaborate closely with officers, detectives, and civilian staff, making this a valuable hands-on learning experience. Being proactive and eager to learn will help you make the most of your internship and may open doors for future opportunities within the department.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police intern?

To thrive as a Police Intern, you generally need foundational knowledge of criminal justice, strong observation skills, and enrollment in or completion of relevant coursework. Familiarity with law enforcement databases, report writing software, and basic office systems is often required. Strong communication, attention to detail, and ethical judgment are important soft skills that help interns interact with the public and support officers effectively. These skills ensure that Police Interns can contribute meaningfully, learn quickly, and uphold the standards of law enforcement agencies.

What is the difference between Police Intern vs Police Cadet?

AspectPolice InternPolice Cadet
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or ongoing college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require college coursework
Work EnvironmentInternship programs within police departments, often part-time or seasonalCadet programs, often part-time, involving training and community engagement
Employer & Industry UsagePolice departments, law enforcement agenciesPolice departments, law enforcement agencies
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Police Interns typically participate in internships to gain exposure to law enforcement, often while in college, focusing on observation and learning. Police Cadets are usually high school or college students involved in training programs that prepare them for future roles in law enforcement, often with more hands-on activities. Both roles serve as entry points into law enforcement careers but differ mainly in their level of responsibility and program structure.

What are the most commonly searched types of Police jobs in Tennessee?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Tennessee are:

Police Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Intern job openings in Tennessee as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Student Help: Campus Safety Technician

TNBR Careers

Memphis, TN • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago

Job description

Southwest Tennessee Community College is a comprehensive, multicultural, public, open—access college. Southwest has 7 campuses/centers from which it offers over 100 programs and over 20 technical certificate programs.

We foster student success, transform lives, and increase the educational level of a growing community in Shelby County. Southwest is a Tennessee Board of Regents institution, accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

We invite you to become a part of the Southwest Team!

Title: Student Help: Campus Safety Technician

Employee Classification: Other

Institution: Southwest Tennessee Community College

Department: Police Services / Public Safety

Campus Location: STCC - Macon Avenue Campus

Job Summary

The student worker/intern will work under close supervision of the shift supervisors of the Police Services/Public Safety Department. They will patrol facilities or safeguard a post as instructed, serve as a general security presence and visible deterrent to crime; report suspicious activity and/or criminal acts which may be a threat to students, faculty/staff, and college property.

Job Duties

  • Assist with monitoring the campus for safety.
  • Provide escort needs upon request.
  • Report suspicious activities and/or persons.
  • Assist staff and students during emergencies.
  • Assist with emergency drills.
  • Become familiar with basic investigation techniques.
  • Investigate minor traffic crashes.
  • Issue citations for traffic and parking violations.
  • Complete assigned tasks within the time frame specified.
  • Adhere to agency policies and procedures.
  • Maintain confidentiality related to consumer issues.
  • Report promptly for all Field Experience assignments and duties.
  • Maintain professional behaviors and attitudes.
  • Patrols campus by foot.
  • Maintains close communication with Police Officers and Police Radio Dispatchers using two-way radios.
  • Performs clerical duties.
  • May perform other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

  • Maintain a minimum 20-hour per week work schedule.
  • Must be enrolled as a Southwest Tennessee Community College student.
  • Must be in pursuit of an Associate Degree at Southwest Tennessee Community College.
  • Must have completed at least twelve credit hours of college-level course work.
  • Must have and maintain a minimum 2.5 grade point average.
  • Must successfully pass a background check

The intent of this job description is to provide a representation of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Candidates who are called for an interview must notify Human Resources in writing at least five (5) days in advance of any reasonable accommodation needed prior to the date of the interview.

First consideration will be given to current Southwest Tennessee Community College employees who meet the minimum qualifications for the position.

In order to be considered for the position, the following items must be uploaded:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter
  • Unofficial Transcripts

A summary of our benefits can be found below: 

https://www.southwest.tn.edu/hr/benefits-overview.php

Incomplete applications will not be considered.

The TBR does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, ethnicity, or national origin, sex, disability, age, status as a protected veteran or any other class protected by Federal or State laws and regulations and by Tennessee Board of Regents policies with respect to employment, programs, and activities. 

The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies:  LeVetta Hudson, Vice President of People & Culture, myhr@southwest.tn.edu, 737 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, 901-333-5000. See the full non-discrimination policy.