As a criminal justice intern, you will have the opportunity to work in a variety of different areas within the criminal justice system, depending on the organization you are interning for. However, there are several common duties and responsibilities that most criminal justice interns can expect to perform. In this article, we'll outline some of the most common duties and responsibilities of a criminal justice intern.
1. Research and analysis: One of the most important duties of a criminal justice intern is to perform research and analysis on various topics related to the criminal justice system. This could include researching crime trends, analyzing data on criminal activity, and studying the effectiveness of various criminal justice programs and policies.
2. Administrative tasks: As a criminal justice intern, you may be responsible for performing a range of administrative tasks, such as data entry, filing, and document preparation. You may also be responsible for maintaining case files and other important records.
3. Assist with investigations: Depending on the organization you are interning for, you may be responsible for assisting with investigations. This could include tasks such as conducting interviews, gathering evidence, and assisting with crime scene investigations.
4. Assist with court proceedings: Criminal justice interns may also be involved in assisting with court proceedings, such as preparing documents for trial, assisting with witness testimony, and observing courtroom procedures.
5. Community outreach: Some criminal justice organizations may involve community outreach programs, and as a criminal justice intern, you may be responsible for assisting with these programs. This could include tasks such as organizing community events, speaking with community members, and promoting community involvement in crime prevention efforts.
6. Policy analysis: Criminal justice interns may also be responsible for analyzing criminal justice policies and laws to determine their effectiveness and make recommendations for improvements.
7. Assist with correctional facilities: Depending on the organization you are interning for, you may be responsible for assisting with correctional facilities. This could include tasks such as conducting security checks, observing daily operations, and assisting with rehabilitation programs.
8. Assist with victim services: Criminal justice interns may also be involved in assisting with victim services programs. This could include tasks such as providing emotional support to victims, helping victims access resources, and assisting with victim advocacy programs.
9. Assist with community policing: Depending on the organization you are interning for, you may be involved in assisting with community policing efforts. This could include tasks such as participating in community patrols, assisting with crime prevention programs, and helping to develop community policing strategies.
10. Other tasks as assigned: As with any internship, criminal justice interns may be asked to perform a variety of other tasks as needed. This could include tasks such as running errands, assisting with office tasks, or assisting with other criminal justice-related projects.
In addition to these specific duties, criminal justice interns will also need to possess a range of skills and personal attributes, including:
1. Strong analytical skills: Criminal justice interns must be able to analyze data and make informed decisions based on that data.
2. Attention to detail: Working in the criminal justice system requires a high level of attention to detail, as even small mistakes can have significant consequences.
3. Strong communication skills: Criminal justice interns must be able to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including law enforcement officials, attorneys, and community members.
4. Ethical behavior: Criminal justice interns must adhere to strict ethical standards and act with integrity at all times.
5. Flexibility: Working in the criminal justice system can be unpredictable, and criminal justice interns must be able to adapt to changing circumstances and take on new tasks as needed.
6. Time management skills: Criminal justice interns must be able to manage their time effectively in order to complete tasks efficiently and meet deadlines.
Let's face it student jobs are tough to get, you are competing against people that have work experience and are looking for a full time job. But you can find part time jobs for students. Ideally you want to find an internship because that will give you work experience in your chosen field. Jobs for students typically pay less than those of a full time employee, there are less benefits as well. But the benefit to you is immense. It's competitive, but don't distress, search student jobs and summer internships in criminal justice and get your career started on the right path!
