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Police Internship Jobs in Alabaster, AL (NOW HIRING)

Police Internship information

See Alabaster, AL salary details

$7

$14

$20

How much do police internship jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for police internship in Alabaster, AL is $14.72, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.26 and $16.35 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 cities near Alabaster, AL are hiring for Police Internship jobs?

Cities near Alabaster, AL with the most Police Internship job openings:

Public Safety Dispatcher

Bessemer Police Department, AL

Bessemer, AL • On-site

$41K - $64K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 25 days ago


Job description

Salary : $41,246.40 - $64,001.60 Annually
Location : Bessemer, AL
Job Type: Full-Time
Job Number: 202400017
Department: Patrol
Opening Date: 08/25/2026
Closing Date: 10/26/2026 11:59 PM Central
Description
Public Safety Dispatchers support public safety agencies by receiving emergency and non-emergency telephone and radio messages in a communication center, entering all requests for service into the computer-aided dispatch (CAD), and dispatching public safety personnel as warranted. Employees in this job class provide information and referrals to citizens for non-emergency calls. Work is performed in a call center setting and employees operate a technological workstation to include the simultaneous operation of multiple computer monitors, video monitors, telephones, two-way radios, etc. Public Safety Dispatchers do not supervise others. Work is reviewed by the shift supervisor by playing back recorded calls and checking records for accuracy and correctness.
Examples of Duties
TYPICAL JOB DUTIES:
  • Answers and manages calls to allow effective communication and response of emergency responders (i.e., police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS)) for citizens during emergency situations.
  • Provides information and referrals to citizens, public safety personnel, media, etc. by responding to calls involving non-emergency situations.
  • Operates technology-based work station that includes multiple video monitors, multiple software programs running simultaneously, a personal computer, phone lines, headsets, and alarm boards in order to receive, forward, and monitor calls for services.
  • Dispatches public safety personnel (i.e., police, fire, and medical emergency) and informs responding units of pertinent information regarding emergency situations.
  • Monitors responses of public safety personnel and activities of other dispatchers to track progress, maintain communications, and ensure personnel safety.
  • Accesses and maintains suspect and/or incident information by running database queries, updating databases, completing reports/logs, and filing documentation.
  • Monitors the functions of the detention center and ensures inmate safety and well-being.
  • Trains new employees, interns, or temporary employees how to perform the job to ensure employees are able to appropriately handle emergency calls and provide citizen and emergency personnel with necessary information.
  • Performs miscellaneous duties such as attending meetings, handling incoming and outgoing monies for reports, monitoring the weather, and updating information.
  • Engages in activities designed to ensure professional development, awareness of developments in the field, and knowledge of relevant practices, rules, laws, policies, and/or guidelines.

Typical Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Experience in a customer service-oriented position (e.g., interacting with people, providing information and/or a service).
  • No felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violent offenses or issues of moral turpitude.
  • Willing to submit to a general and criminal background check.
  • Willing to work an 8- or 12-hour shift on any shift or day (e.g., nights, weekends, holidays) and overtime as needed.

Supplemental Information
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
Preferred qualifications are experiences, education, and/or other job-related qualifications considered to be highly desirable by Merit System agencies. The preferred qualifications may be used by the hiring agency to identify applicants to invite to participate in subsequent selection processes.
  • Experience as a public safety dispatcher.
  • Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) certification.
  • Emergency Fire Dispatch (EFD) certification.
  • Emergency Police Dispatch (EPD) certification.
  • National Crime Information Center (NCIC) certification.
  • Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) certification.

Employees at Bessemer Police Department are offered:
  • Health, Dental, and Vision
  • Flexibile spending accounts
  • Tier 1 Retirement
  • City provided life insurance
  • Optional short and long term disability
  • 13 paid holidays (including birthday)
  • 8 hour accrual for both sick & vacation per month for the first 12 years; after 12 years, accrual 6 hours per pay period; after 25 years accural occurs at 8 hours per pay period.