The selection procedure applied by the Fairfax County Police Department will focus first on background considerations to determine whether a prospective intern can be admitted to a secure work site, and be trusted to handle sensitive and confidential information both per policy and in a mature manner. The critical component of the selection procedure include the abbreviated Personal History Statement (PHS), the background interview and completed investigation.
Eligibility Standards:
To be considered for an undergraduate Police Internship Program, you must be able to meet the following minimum standards:
- U.S. citizen or a legal resident alien.
- Eighteen (18) years of age or older.
- Completed your first semester of college, preferably receiving 3-15 credit hours from internship from college/University.
- Criminal Justice, Public Administration, Analytics, Media relations or other major if the candidate has demonstrated a commitment to a law enforcement career.
- Grade Point Average (GPA) of 2.5 or better. (Official college transcript required)
- A copy of the academic requirements indicating that enrollment for academic credit hours is necessary for degree completion.
- Posses a good character and reputation.
- Have never committed, been involved in, or convicted of a felony or serious misdemeanor.
- Illegal drug use will be scrutinized depending on the type of drug, and frequency of use.
- Have the ability to perform essential job functions with or without a reasonable accommodation.
- Interns will not receive monetary compensation. The interns are responsible for tracking all hours. Each intern must maintain a daily log of activities for submission.
- The college or university must be willing to accept the Fairfax County Police Department Internship Letter of Agreement in place of the academic institution's own liability indemnification agreement or letter. (If planning on receiving college credits)
Police Internship Program Application Process:
The internships will follow the academic year (i.e. Spring, Summer and Fall semesters). The selection process ensures that only qualified candidates are selected. Every applicant must complete and pass following components of the police internship program selection.
- Submit resume for review by email to FCPDPRD@fairfaxcounty.gov a minimum of 60 days prior to the academic semester. Someone from the Personnel Resource Division will reply to your email and supply you with the required documents if you meet minimum requirements.
- Complete & return Personal History Statement packet
- Background Investigation
- Personal Interview
- Polygraph (If recommended)
What if I'm a graduate student?
Graduate internship programs are available with the Victim Services Section, Media Relations, and sub-stations/division throughout the Police Department. These internships are focused on individuals pursuing a Masters Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Media Relations, and Criminology. The internship must be a degree requirement. For the Victim Services Section, the intern must interview with the Director of the Victim Services Section.
Anyone interested in applying for a graduate internship with the agency should email their resume to FCPDPRD@fairfaxcounty.gov, attention: Graduate Internships Program.
Fairfax County Police Department is an EEO employer committed to non-discrimination and to diversity in the workplace. To request reasonable ADA accommodations, call the Personnel Resources Division at 703-246-7560.
