Spring 2027 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

This is a non-merit,non-paidinternship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)?

This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university. Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:

• Division of Criminal Investigation
• State Fire Marshal
• Drug & Narcotic Enforcement
• Professional Development and Support Services
• Criminal Intelligence
• Iowa State Patrol
• Crime Lab
• and support roles

As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 18 years old
• Current college student or near graduation
• US Citizen
• In good standing with college/university
• Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation
• Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)
• Law Enforcement career focused

Program Location/Length/Hours:

• Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
• The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours.
• We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.
• Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.
• Point of contact: [email protected]
• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• This is not a remote position.
• This is an UNPAID Internship

Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)?

This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will have the opportunity to explore different divisions and bureaus within DPS, gaining insight into the operational structures and fulfilling academic requirements through your university. Depending on schedule, location, and availability of department personnel and resources, interns will receive exposure to the following Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:

• Division of Criminal Investigation
• State Fire Marshal
• Drug & Narcotic Enforcement
• Professional Development and Support Services
• Criminal Intelligence
• Iowa State Patrol
• Crime Lab
• and support roles

As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.

Qualifications/Requirements

• 18 years old
• Current college student or near graduation
• US Citizen
• In good standing with college/university
• Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation
• Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)
• Law Enforcement career focused

Program Location/Length/Hours:

• Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
• The internship program will cover a minimum of 140 hours.
• We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.
• Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.
• Point of contact: [email protected]
• Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.
• This is not a remote position.
• This is an UNPAID Internship

E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov. Graduation from high school, GED, or equivalency.

For additional information, please click on this link to view the job description.All applicants must be eligible for enrollment in the Iowa Law Enforcement Academy training program. Screening for the Academy includes:

a) Thorough background investigation and evaluation (including fingerprint searches) for substance abuse, or arrest and conviction records that indicate an individual could not serve effectively as a peace officer. b) Physical examination and agility test to assure that an individual is free from conditions which might adversely affect the performance of duties (drug screens included). c) Vision exam requiring uncorrected vision of not less than 20/100 correctable to 20/20 with normal color vision. d) Hearing exam with a loss not exceeding a 25-decibel average in either ear at 1,000, 2,000 and 3,000 cycles. e) Battery of psychological exams to determine that the individual meets the minimum standards for mental fitness required for a law enforcement officer. f) Oral Board and Polygraph review. g) Age - applicants must be at least 18 years of age. All applicants must be United States citizens but need not be Iowa residents at the time of application.

Applicants must successfully complete and graduate from the Departmental Academy.

Positions in this class are exempt from the screening and referral requirements of the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise. Interested parties should apply directly to the Department of Public Safety. Applicants must possess the ability and be willing to work on all shifts, extended hours, holidays, and weekends.