Houston Police Department Student Internship Program

The Houston Police Department offers an unpaid internship opportunity where you'll gain practical experience that complements academic coursework, course credit opportunities, a deeper understanding of police operations and community service, provide the department with an opportunity to involve students in various aspects of police work, provide students with an opportunity to integrate theory and practice.

Once approved to be an HPD intern, you will have an opportunity to intern within a concerned division within the Houston Police Department such as Homicide, Major Offendors, VICE, Family Violence, Narcotics, Office of Community Affairs, and Victim Services.

Internship opportunities include:

• Criminal Justice students can intern across various divisions within the police department.
• Social Work students can intern in specialized units, including family violence, homicide, victim services, planning & research and sex crimes.

Eligibility and Application: Students from participating universities and colleges can apply for a one or two-term internship. All interns must successfully complete the Police VIP application process.

Volunteer Requirements:

• Background Check

• Photo ID

• Minimum of Hours

• HPD Orientation

Disqualifications:

You are disqualified from becoming a Police VIP if any of the following apply. The following are also grounds for dismissal from the program once you are approved.

Criminal Offenses:

• Three (3) or more traffic violations during the last eighteen (18) months.

• Felony or Class A Misdemeanor conviction (includes Felony or Class A Misdemeanor Deferred Adjudication convictions).

• Class B Misdemeanor in the past ten (10) years (includes Deferred Adjudication convictions).

• Family Violence offense conviction.

• Indictment for any criminal offense (approval or reinstatement is based on disposition of court case).

• Not living in the United States legally.

• Under 17 years of age (except YPAC students). Had / have a pattern of abusing prescription drugs.

• Dishonorably discharged from the United States Armed Forces.

• Current City Employee (unless participating in Citizen Patrol).

• Physical / mental disability that would substantially impair an individuals ability to perform their duties.

• Unlawful sexual conduct prior to and/or during volunteer term.

• Inappropriate behavior relating to sexual harassment or racial slurs.

• Committed an act or behavior tending to bring reproach and/or discredit to themselves and/or the Houston Police Department.

• Used, tried, or sold any dangerous drugs or narcotics including cocaine, crack heroin, LSD.

For more information, please go toVolunteer Initiatives Programor you can contact the Office of Community Affairs at 713.308.3200