Student Internship Program

Job Description

Student Internship Program | Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office

The Tone:
This is an unpaid internship at the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office, located in Sarasota, FL. The Sheriff’s Office operates as a comprehensive criminal justice organization, serving the community through administrative, operational, and support functions. This program, a joint effort with local educational institutions, is designed to foster community partnerships and provide university and college students with invaluable, practical learning experiences within this critical public service environment. It offers a unique opportunity to gain direct insight into law enforcement operations and develop professional networks.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Location: In-person, Sarasota, FL
• Team: Coordinated by Training Services Bureau and Human Resources.
• Mission: Provide students with invaluable learning by engaging with administrative, operational, and support functions within a criminal justice organization, fostering community partnerships.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Actively engage with and learn about the core administrative, operational, and support functions that underpin a comprehensive criminal justice organization.
• Acquire practical, hands-on experience by participating in structured assignments directed by the Human Resources Intern Coordinator and various departmental units.
• Cultivate and establish professional relationships within the criminal justice field, creating potential pathways for future employment opportunities.
• Demonstrate academic and professional responsibility by submitting a comprehensive report, formatted in APA Style, detailing internship experiences and offering an assessment of the Sheriff’s Office.
• Operate in full compliance with all Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office policies, including the Drug Free Policy and Tattoo/Ornamentation Policy, throughout the program.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Be at least eighteen (18) years of age at the time of application. Currently enrolled in an accredited two (2) or four (4) year degree program, holding junior or senior academic standing. Maintain a minimum 3.0 Grade Point Average (GPA) on a 4.0 scale, with academic probation strictly precluding participation.
• Experience: Successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation conducted by the Human Resource Bureau Background Investigation Unit. Possess a clean criminal record free of any felony arrests; all misdemeanor arrests will be thoroughly reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may result in exclusion. Demonstrate full compliance with the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Drug Free Policy and Tattoo/Ornamentation Policy.
• Skills: Exhibit strong academic discipline, analytical capabilities, and a commitment to structured learning. Proficiency in written communication, specifically the ability to compose detailed and comprehensive reports in APA style. Capacity to operate ethically and professionally within a law enforcement environment, adhering strictly to established rules and regulations.