Background
In the summer of 2001, the Office of Police Complaints (OPC) established a year-round internship program for both college and law school students. College interns assist with investigations, community outreach, and other projects in the office, while law school interns perform legal research on various policy issues. Interns volunteer their time and receive academic credit for their work during the academic year. Over the summer, budget permitting, interns receive a salary for full-time work. The internship program has provided substantial benefits to OPC and the District, and the office plans to continue hiring interns during each semester and the summer.
Available Internships
The Office of Police Complaints internship program gives undergraduate and law school students the opportunity to advance professionally and academically by learning about and working in a developing area of civil rights protection - police accountability and oversight. We offer three internship programs: investigative, public affairs and law. Click on the links below for more information about our internship programs.
Advantages of the Office of Police Complaints Internship Program
- Opportunities to relate coursework to on-the-job experiences
- Opportunities for mentoring from experienced staff members
- Extensive and comprehensive in-house training, as well as encouragement of ongoing educational and professional growth
- Networking opportunities with representatives of government, law enforcement, and nonprofit agencies
General Requirements
Undergraduate interns and law clerks should have strong research, writing, and interpersonal skills, and be able to work with diverse populations. Courses in government, journalism, political science, communications, public relations, public policy, civil rights, graphic design and criminal justice are viewed favorably, as are foreign language skills (especially Spanish, Chinese, and Vietnamese). Law clerks also should have strong legal research, analysis and writing skills, and be familiar with electronic legal research databases. OPC’s summer law clerk program is open only to second-year law students. Download OPC's internship program brochure to learn more about each internship program's specific requirements.
How to Apply
To appy for OPC's investigative, public affairs or law internship program, click on the "Join our Team" button below. Each program requires the following:
- Cover letter
- Resume
- Transcript
- Writing Sample
*Note: please review each internship program description for the type of writing sample to submit)
