Internship Program

Internship Terms

Three internships are offered per year:

• Winter/spring semester part-time internship (January to May)
• Summer semester full-time internship (May to August)
• Fall semester part-time internship (August to December)

Full-time internships are available in the summer semester and are based upon approximately 360 or more hours (30-35 hours a week).

Part-time internships are available in the fall and winter/spring semesters and are based upon approximately 180 or more hours (15-20 hours a week). 

Hours are not guaranteed and are subject to the public safety needs of the department.

Required Forms and Documents

To apply, candidates must submit the following:

• A resume and cover letter indicating the desired internship term.
• If the internship is required for college credit, a letter of recommendation, proof of enrollment and academic requirements from the applicant’s college or university.
• Internship Application (PDF)
• Internship Background Waiver (PDF)

Application and Interview Process

All required forms and documents MUST be submitted by the following deadlines, depending on which term they are applying for. Failure to submit required documentation will result in removal from the application process.

• Winter/spring semester application deadline: December 1
• Summer semester application deadline: March 1
• Fall semester application deadline: July 1

Once the application is received, a thorough review of provided documents is conducted. Candidates chosen to move on to the next stage of the application process should expect to participate in a panel interview conducted by members of the police department and a criminal background check before staff determines whether the candidate will be accepted into the program.

Please note, this is a highly competitive internship program. Each part of the application and interview process is an effective screening method that allows staff to evaluate candidates' motivation and ability to participate. A candidate's performance during each of these steps will impact acceptance into the program.

Duties

Interns will be assigned to various units and sections of the Support Services, Patrol and Investigations Divisions during the internship. Our goal is to familiarize the intern with all aspects of municipal police department operations.

Interns may be required to perform special studies, prepare written reports, perform clerical duties, data entry, maintenance tasks, engage in physical fitness, role playing and participate in various forms of public safety related training as well as other duties that arise during the internship. Written and oral communication skills are emphasized during this program.

Work Hours

Interns are expected to be flexible with their work hours. Days can be as short as 4 hours but as long as 12 hours.

Work hours will primarily be Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., but can include evenings and weekends, as well. Hours and days are adjusted as needed based on specific tasks, assignments and conditions that may affect the operation of the police department.

The NPD Internship coordinators will also attempt to accommodate the intern’s schedules (student athletics and activities, employment, etc.), within reason and with as much advanced notice as possible.

Other Requirements

Interns are subject to all rules, regulations, policies and procedures of the Naperville Police Department.

Interns must carry health and injury insurance during their internship. Such coverage is normally available from the college or university attended. Proof of medical insurance coverage must be submitted prior to the start of the internship.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide some details on the internship? (How long does it last? What does it involve?)

The internships typically last for one semester that corresponds with the typical student interns’ college (fall, winter/spring, summer) curriculum. NPD attempts to train the interns on what a job in modern law enforcement entails through hands-on practical training. Interns experience all the areas of the police department, including but not limited to Patrol, Investigations, Special Operations and Response Teams, Crime Scene and Evidence, Dispatch, and specialty units like Special Response, Crisis Negotiation, Traffic, K9, etc.

The interns are exposed to shift work, fluctuating hours, and a variety of calls to give them the most comprehensive experience possible. They participate in training with the officers such as firearms, less lethal platforms, de-escalation, defensive tactics, physical fitness, legal updates, procedure and more. The overall priority of NPD’s internship program is to provide the interns with the best possible experience to set them up for the greatest success in their future careers and goals.

How is an intern chosen? How selective is the application process?

All of our intern candidates must go through a background process and an interview. They must also have the recommendation of their college and references. When interviewed NPD is looking for traits such as confidence, integrity and reliability. We want to know what the prospective intern’s career goals are, as well as their flexibility, adaptability and level of motivation.

Why is an experience like this important to the development of an intern’s career and character?

This internship is a priceless experience for someone considering a career in law enforcement. It exposes candidates to a variety of experiences that they would never receive in a classroom setting and allows them to interact daily with those actively doing the job.

By having multiple interns at the same time it also creates a “cohort” environment allowing for the learning to continue outside of the actual internship. They interact with the other interns on a daily basis forming friendships and professional relationships that will be with them for the rest of their lives.

Contacts

Ofc. Kevin Fasana
Training Officer
Naperville Police Department
Professional Development & Training Unit
Email: fasanak@naperville.il.us
Desk: (630) 420-8440

Ofc. Shawn Moy
Training Officer
Naperville Police Department
Professional Development & Training Unit
Email: moys@naperville.il.us 
Desk: (630) 305-5458