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Police Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL (NOW HIRING)

Lake Forest

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL

$15 - $20.76/hr

The City of Lake Forest is seeking a motivated and curious IT Intern to support technology operations across a wide range of City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation ...

City of Lake Forest, IL

IT Intern

Lake Forest, IL · On-site

$15 - $20.76/hr

The City of Lake Forest is seeking a motivated and curious IT Intern to support technology operations across a wide range of City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation ...

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All JobsPolice Intern JobsPolice Intern Jobs in Chicago, IL

Police Intern information

See Chicago, IL salary details

$9

$17

$25

How much do police intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 1, 2026, the average hourly pay for police intern in Chicago, IL is $17.55, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.86 and $19.81 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 Chicago, IL?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Chicago, IL are:

What cities near Chicago, IL are hiring for Police Intern jobs?

Cities near Chicago, IL with the most Police Intern job openings:

Police Intern jobs near you
Infographic showing various Police Intern job openings in Chicago, IL as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $36,504 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

IT Intern

Lake Forest

Lake Forest, IL

$15 - $20.76/hr

Part-time, Internship

Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago

Job description

Description Are you looking to gain hands-on experience in a fast-paced IT environment. The City of Lake Forest is seeking a motivated and curious IT Intern to support technology operations across a wide range of City departments, including Police, Fire, Public Works, Recreation, Community Development, Finance, Human Resources, and City Hall. This part-time, year-round internship offers more than a typical seasonal or summer internship.

Over a period of up to 24 months, the IT Intern will work closely with the City's IT team to solve help desk issues, support technology projects, assist with computer imaging and deployment, and gain exposure to enterprise systems, cybersecurity, networking, cloud environments, and end-user support. This is a great opportunity for someone pursuing a career in information technology who wants meaningful hands-on experience, strong mentoring, and the chance to build a well-rounded technical foundation. Examples of Duties Provide help desk support and assist employees with technology questions and issues Assist with Windows computer imaging, setup, deployment, and configuration Support enterprise IT infrastructure, including workstations, networks, servers, and related systems Assist with technology projects, process improvements, and system updates Support data security initiatives and learn about multi-layered security practices Assist with maintaining on-premise and hybrid cloud environments Gain exposure to Microsoft 365, SQL, Active Directory administration, Cisco networking, and related technologies Document work, track issues, and support continuous improvement of IT processes Interact professionally with City staff across multiple departments Qualifications Knowledge of troubleshooting home or office applications, workstations, networks, and smartphone technology Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Computer Science, Information Technology, Information Systems, or a related field Strong customer service, communication, organization, and problem-solving skills Interest in enterprise IT, cybersecurity, networking, systems administration, and technology support Ability to learn quickly, ask thoughtful questions, and work both independently and as part of a team Technical certifications are a plus Must be at least 18 years old and have a valid driver's license Supplemental Information Why Join the City of Lake Forest.

Gain exposure to a broader range of technology than many traditional internships. Work alongside a supportive five-person IT team in a high-energy, enterprise environment. Build experience supporting diverse City operations, including public safety, public works, recreation, finance, HR, community development, and City administration.

Develop practical skills in help desk support, computer deployment, infrastructure, cybersecurity, networking, and systems administration. Use this opportunity as a strong entry-level steppingstone for a future career in IT. Hours and Pay Part-time, year-round internship with a duration of up to 24 months Approximately 28-32 hours per week Typical schedule is Monday through Friday, between 8:00 a.m

and 4:30 p.m. Anticipated Hiring Rate: Starting at $16.00 per hour, depending on qualifications Full pay range: $15.00 - $20.76 Benefits: IMRF pension, vacation time Interested applicants are encouraged to review the full job description here: Innovation & Technology (IT) Intern The City of Lake Forest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and experiences.

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