Internship Position Description
Position Title:
Research & Development Intern - OC Sheriff-Coroner (unpaid internship)
Background investigations for this position take two - three months to process.
Name and Location of Agency/Department Requesting Intern:
Orange County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Research & Development Division
Orange, CA 92868
Functions of Agency/Department:
The Orange County Sheriff’s Department is a modern, progressive law enforcement agency dedicated to protecting the peace and enhancing the quality of life for everyone in the County of Orange.
The Research & Development Division is comprised of professional and sworn staff working in three sections which consist of Resource Management, Facilities Planning, and Facilities Operations. The Resource Management Section has four units which include Asset Procurement, Fleet Management, Grants and Office Services. The Resource Management Section procures assets and equipment, maintains and tracks department vehicles, and works on special projects for the Sheriff’s Department. The section also provides research and facilitates grant opportunities/funding for the Sheriff’s Department, County agencies, and all police agencies in Orange County.
Intern Duties/Responsibilities:
The Research & Development intern will primarily provide technical and/or administrative assistance in Grants and Fleet Management. These projects may include assistance with policies & procedures and grant research. Duties may also include assisting staff in the day-to-day operations within Resource Management; answering inquiries by phone and through written communications; preparing documents and reports; assisting with research and special projects; filing, faxing, photocopying, etc.
Educational Requirements:
This position is best suited for undergraduates, graduate students or recent graduates with backgrounds/coursework in Public Safety, Political Science, Public Administration, Law, Public Affairs, Communications, Public Relations, Public Policy, Social Science, Criminology or related fields.
Skills, Training or Qualifications:
Excellent written and oral communications skills; ability to research and analyze information and prepare reports and other correspondence; experience with Microsoft Office Suite, especially Word, Excel, and Access; reliable, outgoing and able to work independently. Previous office experience preferred. Professional appearance and business attire required.
Time Commitment:
Minimum 12 - 20 hours per week for 1 - 2 semesters/quarters. Hours must be scheduled during regular business hours (Monday through Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m.). Applicants able to schedule the maximum hours/duration listed for this internship typically gain a more in-depth experience.
Benefits Available to Intern:
Although the position is unpaid and does not lead to permanent employment, interns with the Sheriff-Coroner Department are offered an excellent opportunity to work within a large governmental/public safety entity. The Research & Development Division provides exposure and insight into public agencies focused on public safety with local, state, and federal government relations. Aspects of service such as grant administration and operations support provide insight into a unique law enforcement environment made up of professional staff.
Required Background Investigation:
Background investigations that can take two – three months to process will be conducted on applicants who have successfully interviewed for the internship and wish to pursue placement.
The background investigation will include a pre-screen interview, background interview and Livescan fingerprinting.
The following documents will be completed by qualified applicants during the background investigation:
- Civilian Intern Personal History form (includes employment history & arrest record)
- Notarized Authorization to Release Information form
As part of the background investigation, applicants will be required to provide three references along with original copies of the following documents:
- Birth certificate or if applicable, naturalization certificate/resident card (passport is not accepted)
- Driver’s license
- Social Security card
- High school & college official transcripts (must be sealed)
- Proof of current automobile insurance coverage
