Digital Forensics and Criminal Justice Unpaid Internship

Job Description

Internship / SSB / IOD / Cyber Section East / CCU / Bridgeport | State of Michigan

The Tone:
This is an unpaid internship opportunity at the State of Michigan, specifically within the Michigan State Police (MSP) Cyber Section’s Computer Crimes Unit (CCU) offices in Bridgeport, MI, for the Fall or Winter 2026 semesters. The State of Michigan, through its MSP CCU, serves the law enforcement community by providing essential investigative support for the seizure, acquisition, and in-depth analysis of digital evidence, including critical digital device forensic examinations. The CCU also holds significant oversight over the statewide Michigan Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Task Force, which unites over 50 federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies to combat the online sexual exploitation of children. This internship offers digital forensics and criminal justice students a vital chance to contribute to impactful criminal investigations, gaining practical experience in a field dedicated to public safety and justice.

The TL;DR
• Role: Internship
• Type: Part-time (10-20 hours/week, approx. 12 weeks)
• Location: In-person, Bridgeport, MI
• Team: MSP Cyber Section’s Computer Crimes Unit (CCU)
• Mission: To provide investigative support through the acquisition and analysis of digital evidence for law enforcement and contribute to criminal justice initiatives, including combating online crimes against children.

What You’ll Actually Do
• Investigations: Participate actively in criminal investigations that involve digital evidence, gaining real-world experience.
• Forensics: Learn and apply processes for the forensic capture and analysis of various types of digital evidence.
• Data Analysis: Analyze and compile collected data into necessary formats to support ongoing investigative tasks.
• Tool Utilization: Utilize specialized forensic software and equipment to effectively support investigative actions.
• Reporting: Prepare detailed forensics reports based on analyzed evidence for legal and investigative purposes.
• Training: Provide educational training to end users on essential cybersecurity-related topics.

The Must-Haves
• Background: Applicants must be continuously enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, specifically within a digital forensics program, and must maintain a minimum enrollment of six credit hours per term or semester. It is a strict requirement that students receive academic credit for this internship as part of their program. Additionally, all applicants must be at least 18 years of age.
• Experience: Candidates should demonstrate a strong, foundational understanding of various digital forensics software and associated techniques. Essential requirements include possessing a valid operator’s license and the ability to successfully pass a fingerprint-based “Criminal Justice Information Systems” background check, which is crucial for handling sensitive law enforcement data.
• Skills: Key skills include a solid grasp of digital forensics principles and methodologies, the capability to perform detailed analysis and compilation of digital data for investigative purposes, and the practical ability to utilize specialized forensic software and equipment effectively. An interest in both digital forensics and criminal justice fields is highly valued.