This is a non-merit, non-paid internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section.
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.
Qualifications/Requirements
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
Open to applicants currently living in Iowa or within 25 miles of the Iowa boarder.
Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)
Law Enforcement career focus
Program Location/Length/Hours:
Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.
The internship program is 7-8 weeks long and will cover 140 hours.
We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.
Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.
Point of contact: dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us
This is not a remote position
This is an UNPAID internship
Start Your Career: Ifyou have already decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, we are accepting applications for our 55th Basic Academy through April 12, 2026.
E-Verify and Right to Work The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federalRight to Worklaws, which protect employees’ rights to work without being required to join a labor organization. For more information, please visitwww.e-verify.gov.
Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services – Human Resources Enterprise.
