INTERNSHIPS WITHIN THE DPS
Discover the multiple career opportunities within the Iowa Department of Public Safety as an intern!
DPS INTERNSHIP
We provide in-depth educational experiences for those looking into the career field of law enforcement and our law enforcement support roles.
Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)? This program is designed to provide a real life, unpaid, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will be exposed to various divisions and bureaus within DPS while gaining understanding of their operational structures and while fulfilling academic requirements through your university.
During the internship program, you will have the opportunity to interact with leadership and personnel from all 7 DPS Divisions, your fellow interns, and DPS retirees. Group projects and daily logs will be assigned throughout the internship. You can expect to become acquainted with the operations surrounding all Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:
- Division of Criminal Investigation
- State Fire Marshal
- Division of Narcotics Enforcement
- Professional Development and Support Services
- Division of Intelligence
- Iowa State Patrol
- Criminalistics Laboratory
- and many support roles
As a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you as either a sworn officer or civilian employee. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.
- 18 years old
- Current college student or near graduation
- US Citizen
- In good standing with college/university
- Hold a valid driver’s license and can provide own transportation
- Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)
- Law Enforcement career focused
The internship program is 7-8 weeks long and will cover 140 hours. We will work with your college/university to accommodate if more hours are if needed for your institution. Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. Placement will be across the state at the various district offices based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety and the academic location of those selected. Worktime will be flexible Monday-Friday and weekends.
Point of contact: [email protected]
Internship opportunities are posted periodically throughout the year for spring, summer, and fall semesters. These postings can be found at https://www.governmentjobs.
DCI CRIME LAB INTERNSHIP
The Iowa DCI Crime Laboratory provides forensic services for all criminal justice partners in Iowa and is located in Ankeny, IA on the DMACC Ankeny Campus. Next internship opening starts Fall of 2026. Dates coming soon.
These internships are unpaid, and project based, typically working with a particular section of the laboratory. We typically ask for a minimum 20 hour per week commitment.
To apply, please submit your resume, most recent college transcripts, and a cover letter indicating the specific forensic discipline you are interested in to [email protected]. Please ensure your transcripts are as up to date as possible to aid in making our selections. Typical candidates often have partially or nearly completed some sort of college level science degree. All materials must be received in order to be considered.
Internship positions are not guaranteed to be available at the time you submit your information. If positions are available, a department representative will reach out to you for further evaluation and consideration.
