Job Description

Summer 2026 Criminal Investigation Division Internship

Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) – Upper East Region

About the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation

At the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI), our enduring commitment, encapsulated by the powerful motto, “That Guilt Shall Not Escape Nor Innocence Suffer,” is more than just words – it is a promise to the citizens of Tennessee. As the state’s premier law enforcement agency, we are driven by unwavering professionalism and passion every single day. We proudly uphold the core values of truth, bravery, and integrity, playing a vital role in ensuring justice and enhancing the quality of life across the Volunteer State.

Program Overview: A Deep Dive into Criminal Justice

The TBI is excited to offer a unique, 10-week Summer Internship Program designed for ambitious college and post-graduate students eager to explore the intricate world of criminal investigation. Running from June 1, 2026, to August 7, 2026, this program provides an unparalleled opportunity to gain firsthand insight into the TBI’s critical mission and extensive operations throughout Tennessee.

This hands-on experience, while not a guarantee of future employment, offers a comprehensive look at the diverse facets required to fulfill our distinctive role within the state’s criminal justice system. Interns will be based in our Upper East Region offices, specifically in Knoxville, TN, or Johnson City, TN, contributing meaningfully to real-world investigative work.

As a testament to your dedication and learning, this internship offers valuable school credit rather than monetary compensation.

Key Responsibilities and Transformative Learning Experiences

As a TBI Summer Intern, you will be immersed in a dynamic environment, rotating through multiple investigative divisions to gain broad exposure and practical skills. Your responsibilities and learning opportunities will include:

• Observing high-impact investigative operations in both structured office settings and dynamic field environments.
• Participating actively in surveillance activities and providing essential investigative support to Special Agents.
• Systematically reviewing and meticulously organizing critical case files, official reports, and diverse forms of video evidence.
• Assisting with crucial administrative tasks and contributing to specialized project-based initiatives that support ongoing investigations.

This program is designed for you to learn directly from experienced Special Agents and professional staff, contributing to investigative efforts that directly support law enforcement partners and bolster public safety across Tennessee.

Collaborative Exposure Across Elite Divisions

Interns will gain invaluable exposure by collaborating with and learning from various specialized units, including:

• The Criminal Investigation Division (CID)
• The Drug Investigation Division (DID)
• The Medicaid Fraud Control Division (MFCD)
• The Cyber & Digital Evidence Unit (CDEU)

Furthermore, you will have the unique opportunity to collaborate closely with our dedicated Criminal Intelligence Analysts and Victim Services Coordinators, understanding the multi-faceted approach required for comprehensive justice.

Who We Are Looking For

We are seeking motivated individuals who are currently enrolled as college juniors, seniors, or pursuing post-graduate education. Ideal candidates will demonstrate a keen interest in law enforcement, criminal justice, and public service, coupled with a strong work ethic and commitment to our mission.

Important Considerations

Please note that this position requires a comprehensive criminal background check. Therefore, you will be required to provide detailed information about your criminal history to be considered for this invaluable internship opportunity.

Learn More and Apply

To discover more about internship opportunities with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and to initiate your application, please visit our official internships page: https://www.tn.gov/tbi/general-information/learn-about-internships-at-tbi.html

Equal Employment Opportunity

Pursuant to the State of Tennessee’s Workplace Discrimination and Harassment policy, the State is firmly committed to the principle of fair and equal employment opportunities for its citizens and strives to protect the rights and opportunities of all people to seek, obtain, and hold employment without being subjected to illegal discrimination and harassment in the workplace. It is the State’s policy to provide an environment free of discrimination and harassment of an individual because of that person’s race, color, national origin, age (40 and over), sex, pregnancy, religion, creed, disability, veteran’s status or any other category protected by state and/or federal civil rights laws.