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Police Internship Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

The Oceanside Police Department has the opportunity to use or access grant funding to award an internship and a scholarship to those selected. Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the ...

Police Cadet

Oceanside, CA · On-site

$17.62/hr

The Oceanside Police Department has the opportunity to use or access grant funding to award an internship and a scholarship to those selected. Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the ...

Police Cadet

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$17.08 - $20.77/hr

As the Police Cadet program is designed as a career preparation internship, concurrent enrollment in equivalent to a minimum of 12 semester units at a community college or university is required ...

Police Cadet

El Segundo, CA

$17.08 - $20.77/hr

As the Police Cadet program is designed as a career preparation internship, concurrent enrollment in equivalent to a minimum of 12 semester units at a community college or university is required ...

Police Cadet

Oakland, CA · On-site

$17.34/hr

Starting at $17.34 / hourly Open until sufficient applications are received DEFINITION The purpose of the Police Cadet Internship is to provide Oakland Housing Authority residents, with a work site ...

Police Officer Trainee

Emeryville, CA · On-site

$136K - $162K/yr

Police Opening Date: 12/19/2024 Bargaining Unit: Unrepresented Description If you are interested in ... Prior internship or experience in a government/municipal public safety department * Related college ...

The Emeryville Police Department is a proactive, professional, public safety organization that ... Prior internship or experience in a government/municipal public safety department Related college ...

The Police Cadet program is designed to provide valuable paraprofessional experience and mentorship ... Fingerprints applicants, volunteers, and interns working for the city; processes identification ...

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Police Internship information

See California salary details

$9

$17

$23

How much do police internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average hourly pay for police internship in California is $17.08, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $18.99 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a police internship?

A police internship is a temporary position, typically offered to students or recent graduates, that provides hands-on experience working with a law enforcement agency. Interns may assist with administrative tasks, observe officers in the field, participate in community outreach, and learn about various aspects of police work. The goal is to give interns a deeper understanding of law enforcement careers and to help them develop relevant skills for future employment in criminal justice or related fields.

What types of projects and assignments can I expect during a police internship?

As a police intern, you can expect to participate in a variety of assignments that provide hands-on exposure to law enforcement operations. Typical tasks include assisting with administrative duties, observing patrols, helping with community outreach programs, and supporting investigations by organizing evidence or conducting research. Interns often rotate through different departments, such as traffic, detective, or community relations, to gain a broad understanding of police work. This structure allows you to collaborate closely with officers and staff, building valuable professional relationships and learning about potential career paths within law enforcement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a police intern, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Police Intern, you generally need a background in criminal justice or a related field, strong observational abilities, and a willingness to learn about law enforcement processes. Familiarity with report writing, basic computer systems, and sometimes knowledge of policing databases or records management systems is beneficial. Attention to detail, professionalism, effective communication, and integrity are standout soft skills for this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for supporting police operations, learning the profession, and building trust within the department and community.

What is the difference between Police Internship vs Police Cadet?

AspectPolice InternshipPolice Cadet
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some programs may require college courseworkHigh school diploma or equivalent; often a prerequisite for cadet programs
Work EnvironmentTemporary, educational setting; supervised law enforcement activitiesMore structured training; may involve community engagement and basic law enforcement tasks
Employer & Industry UsageTypically offered by police departments for student or early career experienceUsed by police departments as a training or recruitment pathway for aspiring officers

Police internships and police cadet programs both provide valuable exposure to law enforcement. Internships are often short-term, educational opportunities for students, while cadet programs are more structured, offering ongoing training and community engagement. Both roles help prepare individuals for a career in policing but differ in scope and commitment.

What do you do as a police internship?

A police internship involves assisting law enforcement officers with tasks such as administrative work, ride-alongs, and community outreach. Interns may observe investigations, learn about criminal procedures, and develop skills related to law enforcement operations under supervision.

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

The most popular types of Police jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Police Internship jobs in California?

For Police Internship jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Police Internship jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Police Internship jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Police Internship jobs?

Cities in California with the most Police Internship job openings:

Infographic showing various Police Internship job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 88% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $35,523 per year, or $17.1 per hour.

City of Oceanside
Public Administration • 1 - 5K employees

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

486th of 851 rated public administrative organizations

Good employer

Paid breaks


$17.62/hr

Full-time, Part-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Introduction THE CITY OF OCEANSIDE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. The City of Oceanside is accepting applications for the position of Police Cadet. This is a part-time, non-benefited, civilian position.

The Oceanside Police Department has the opportunity to use or access grant funding to award an internship and a scholarship to those selected. Along with a paid (20) hour a week Cadet position at the Police Department, each selected individual will receive a scholarship for tuition and expenses up to $2,500 annually for a period not to exceed two (2) years. Prospective employees will undergo and must successfully pass a thorough police background investigation which may include a psychological evaluation, polygraph examination, and a medical examination which may include a drug screen.

The selection process could take up to 90 days. Examples of Duties The Police Cadet provides assistance to the Police Department by performing a variety of duties including assisting with special events such as setting up barricades, traffic control, delivering and setting up equipment and materials; assisting the Homeless Outreach Team with field duties; pick up, transport, deliver and place into storage archived files; provides courier service to the Police Department; may assist customers at the public counter of the Police Department; and performs other related duties as assigned. Minimum Qualifications Applicants must be at least 18 up to 20 years of age, possess a high school diploma or equivalent and must be currently enrolled on a full-time basis in an accredited college or university program with emphasis in criminal justice, and/or demonstrate intent to pursue a degree in criminal justice or related field.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS: Successfully complete and submit the application form. Be a high school graduate or graduating senior with an overall 2.5 GPA. Be enrolled in an accredited college or university and pursuing a degree or Certificate in a field related to the policing profession

It will be the applicant's responsibility to demonstrate how the selected field of study is related to the policing profession. Maintain a 2.5 GPA or higher while enrolled at an accredited college or university with a minimum of twelve (12) semester units each semester. Failure to maintain the minimum 2.5 GPA or semester units will result in the loss of the cadet internship and the scholarship

Does not have to be a resident of the City of Oceanside; however, Oceanside residents will be given preference. Not be eligible to apply as a police officer at time of starting cadet internship and receiving scholarship. Must submit two (2) letters of recommendation from teachers, counselors, or employers, etc.

Successfully pass a thorough police background, polygraph, psychological, and a medical examination, which will include drug screening. Does not have to be an Explorer; however, preference will be given to members of the Explorer Program within the Oceanside Police Department. Possess a valid California Class C Driver's License at time of appointment.

APPLICANTS MUST ATTACH A COPY OF THEIR TRANSCRIPTS AND LETTERS OF RECOMMENDATION TO THE APPLICATION Working Conditions and Selection Process Environmental Conditions: Office in Police Department; driving a City vehicle; field environment in all types of weather; may be in heavily trafficked City streets; exposure to potentially dangerous situations associated with law enforcement; exposure to computer screens. Physical Conditions: Essential functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for kneeling, lifting, bending, sitting and standing for prolonged periods of time; speaking and hearing to exchange information; visual acuity to read and interpret information. Selection Process: All applications and supplemental questionnaires will be reviewed, and the most appropriately qualified individuals will be invited to continue in the selection process.

Note: Prospective employees will undergo, and must successfully pass, a background reference check (including fingerprinting) and a medical examination. Drug screening may be required. RESUMES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED IN LIEU OF COMPLETED APPLICATION FORMS BUT MAY BE ATTACHED.

CANDIDATES WHO REQUIRE A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION IN THE SELECTION PROCESS SHOULD STATE THEIR NEEDS IN WRITING WHEN SUBMITTING AN APPLICATION. THE PROVISIONS OF THIS BULLETIN DO NOT CONSTITUTE AN EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED CONTRACT. ANY PROVISION CONTAINED IN THIS BULLETIN MAY BE MODIFIED OR REVOKED WITHOUT NOTICE.



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