(Washington, DC) The Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is currently seeking candidates for its 2012 summer internship program.  The agency offers three types of internships: investigations, legal, and public affairs.  Summer internships for all three programs are paid positions.

College students selected for OPC’s investigative internship program work with experienced investigators to gather and review evidence involving police misconduct allegations, draft interview questions, and take witness statements.  Investigative interns participate in the agency’s community outreach events.

Law student interns conduct research and analysis to support the investigative and administrative functions of the office, write legal memoranda, and draft proposals for police reform.  In addition, law interns work with advocacy groups as well as local and federal agencies on issues related to police oversight in Washington, D.C., and beyond.

The college or graduate student selected for the public affairs internship can expect to draft news releases, coordinate and participate in outreach activities, help develop a social media presence, and respond to information requests from the public.  The intern is also tasked with helping to develop new content for the agency’s website and updating it.

“Interns at our agency play a key role in promoting greater police accountability in the nation’s capital,” said Philip K. Eure, OPC’s executive director.  “OPC interns are mentored and get to translate what they’ve learned in the classroom into practical, hands-on experience.”

Applicants for OPC’s internship program should have strong research, writing, and interpersonal skills, and be comfortable working with diverse communities.  In addition to the summer program, unpaid internships for which students can receive academic credit are also offered during the school year.

For more information about OPC’s internship opportunities, visit www.policecomplaints.dc.gov and click on “Internship Program.”