www.houstontx.gov > Houston Police Department

VOLUNTEER INITIATIVES PROGRAM - Student Internship

The Student Internship provides qualified students with practical work experience that compliments their academic course work as well as course credit. It also provides the department with an opportunity to involve students in various aspects of police work. Student Internship is designed to provide students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice. Students are able to gain valuable work experience, on-the-job training, and have an opportunity to develop a professional networking base for the future.

The Houston Police Department has developed an unpaid internship program with many local and national universities and colleges:

Students who are enrolled in a Criminal Justice or Social Science program from a participating institution may perform a one- or two-term internship as part of the Police VIP. In most cases, Criminal Justice Interns will perform their internship as part of the Citizens Offering Police Support component of the Police VIP. Social Work Interns will also perform their internship as part of the Police VIP, but assignments will usually be in the Victim Services Unit, Planning and Research Division, or Homicide – Family Violence Unit.

***********IMPORTANT REMINDER***************

The Houston Police Department has a limited number of intern positions available per semester. Please contact the Police VIP Office to receive an update on available intern positions. In addition, in order to become a Police VIP – Student Intern, students must complete and successfully pass the Police VIP Application Process. This involves completing a detailed application and submitting to a fingerprint check, criminal background check, and a personal background investigation. The Police VIP Application Process takes approximately 4 – 6 weeks to complete, so students should plan in advance if the Houston Police Department is an internship choice or possibility. In addition, please review the listed disqualifiers:

Disqualifiers: You can not become a Police VIP Student Intern if any of the following apply:

  • Are not a legal United States resident.
  • Not reached 17 years of age (Unless specifically noted in component qualification).
  • Been convicted of a Class A Misdemeanor or higher.
  • Been convicted of a Class B Misdemeanor in the past 10 years.
  • Used (tried), sold any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack heroin, LSD.
  • Been dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.
  • Had a pattern of abusing prescription drugs.
  • Had excessive traffic violations within the past five years.
  • Been previously employed as a law enforcement officer and since has committed or violated Federal, State, or City laws pertaining to criminal activity.
  • Current City Employee status.
  • A physical or mental disability that would substantially impair an individual’s ability to perform his/her duties.
  • Unlawful sexual conduct prior to and/or during volunteer term.
  • Committed a felony prior to and/or during volunteer term.
  • Inappropriate behavior relating to sexual harassment or other types of racial slurs.
  • Committed any act or behavior tending to bring reproach or discredit to themselves or the Houston Police Department.

The Houston Police Department will make every attempt to personally work with eligible students in processing them through the Police VIP and placing them in assignments as quickly as possible. It is our goal to provide you with a positive and enjoyable internship experience.

Thank You for considering the Houston Police Department.