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Police Intern Jobs in Reading, PA (NOW HIRING)

Police Intern information

See Reading, PA salary details

$8

$16

$23

How much do police intern jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for police intern in Reading, PA is $16.36, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.85 and $18.46 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 Reading, PA?

The most popular types of Police jobs in Reading, PA are:

What cities near Reading, PA are hiring for Police Intern jobs?

Cities near Reading, PA with the most Police Intern job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Intern job openings in Reading, PA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Part Time. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,030 per year, or $16.4 per hour.

Caseworker - Intake (Pottstown 2 Unit)

Pottstown, PA • On-site

GovernmentJobs.com
Recruiting and Staffing Services • 11 - 50 employees

Other

Posted 5 days ago


Job description

Job Title

Child Protective Services Caseworker

Job Description

Employee is a member of a casework unit and reports to a unit supervisor. Position is responsible for provision of child protective, child placement and/or child permanency casework services. Services are family-focused and usually delivered in biological or foster/adoptive family home. Service area is divided regionally, however, some travel throughout the County is expected and out-of-County trips are necessary on occasion.

Essential Duties And Responsibilities
  • Professional assessment of child risk, safety and family strengths and problems in accordance with legal mandates and best practices.
  • Emergency response, crisis intervention and provision of in-home protective services for children at risk, and coordination of emergency child placements with legal authorities, provision of child placement and permanency services.
  • Management of caseload and case records of client families receiving child welfare services; assuring child safety and promoting family stability.
  • Plans concurrently for permanency options for all children in placement and also petitions the Court to establish a permanency option no later than the 15th month of placement. Delivers intensive reunification services to meet timelines established by the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997.
  • Manages and maintains a caseload of families and child(ren) and related records to document data, reports, actions, events, etc. via the automated case management system.
  • Must be proficient in computer skills and use including Microsoft Office, Word, Outlook, etc.
  • Provide mandated family oriented social services in compliance with Federal and State laws, Department of Human Service regulations and County policy.
  • Utilization of community resources whenever possible to assist client families.
  • Monitor client progress toward service goals and objectives.
  • Initiate court proceedings when necessary to protect child(ren), assisting in case preparation and testimony in court.
  • Ongoing contact with provider agencies and other professionals, police, physicians, etc., involved in service provision with client families.
  • Other related duties as assigned.
Qualification Requirements

Six months of experience as a Caseworker Trainee; OR a CWEB (Child Welfare Education for Baccalaureate) Program Casework Intern within 60 days prior to graduation or after graduation and upon successful completion of the internship period; OR a bachelor of social work degree; OR a bachelor's degree which includes, or is supplemented by 12 college credits in sociology, social welfare, psychology, gerontology, criminal justice, or other related coursework, and 1 year of professional social casework experience in a public or private social services agency.

  • This position is subject to mandates requiring Child Abuse, Criminal History, and FBI Clearances for employment.
  • Pennsylvania residency is not a requirement for this position.
  • Promotions are based on meritorious service and seniority. Meritorious service is defined as the absence of any discipline during the 12 months preceding the closing date of this posting, and the last regular or introductory evaluation is higher than fair. Seniority is defined as a minimum of 6 months of service in the next lower class as of the closing date of the posting.
  • Promotion is not subject to provisions of a collective bargaining agreement.
Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to:

  • Sit, stand, walk, stoop or kneel and climb stairs.
  • Talk, hear and see to assess and communicate.
  • Use hands to handle or feel objects, tools or control and reach with hands or arms.
  • Must transport client children and families as needed.
  • Complete visits within County, out of County and out of State home and placement visits in accordance with regulatory requirements.
  • Have scheduling flexibility to work before or after regular work hours, including occasional evenings and weekends.
  • Apply decision making techniques and make sound judgment related to child safety and well-being.
  • Complete required documentation of casework duties.
  • Lift approximately 30 pounds 5% of the time including infants, children, car seats, case records and a child's belongings.

Equipment Needed: Must have automobile in good working condition with Pennsylvania driver's license and adequate insurance coverage.

If you are contacted for an interview and need accommodations for the interview due to a disability, please advise the interviewer of the accommodations you require well in advance of the scheduled date.

If you need help to fill out this application form or during any phase of the application, interview or employment process, please contact Human Resources or the Hiring Manager of the department.

Equal Opportunity Employer