Local Internship Agency Work Descriptions

The following descriptions provide information on a wide range of internship opportunities available primarily in the Lincoln area.  Internships may be available with agencies that operate outside of Lincoln and outside of Nebraska.  There may also be internship opportunities with other agencies in the Lincoln area that are not on this list.  Contact the School of Criminology Internship Coordinator if you wish to explore these other options. 

Community Corrections

Lancaster County Adult Drug Court
Interns are involved in assisting supervision officers with intensive supervision, drug testing, sitting in on drug court sessions, some data collection and computer work.  https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/193/Adult-Drug-Court

Lancaster County Community Corrections

This internship exposes interns to the daily operations of the county and district court systems through alternatives to incarceration programming offered through Community Corrections.  Specific programs you may be working with include Community Service, Pretrial Release, Adult Drug Court, Diversion Services, Reentry and Drug Testing.  https://www.unl.edu/eskridge/Lancaster%20County%20Department%20of%20Community%20Corrections.pdf

Nebraska Community Corrections Center - Lincoln (CCC-L)
Work with inmates in their initial steps for a graduated release through a systematic decrease in supervision and a corresponding increase in responsibility. Some inmates are assigned to a detail within the facility or on a park or roads crew or other work assignment in the community. Others participate on the work and/or educational release programs. http://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/cccl.html

Nebraska State Adult Parole
Interns work with parole officials in their case management and supervision efforts to support parole clients with their reentry into the community while also promoting public safety. Case management involves the use of risk assessments, case planning, referrals to community resources and cognitive-behavioral interventions to address the needs of the clients.  Supervision activities include drug testing, electronic monitoring, contacting clients in their homes and within the community, and connecting with others in the community to ensure that the client is doing well and adhering to the conditions of parole.  Interns are also occasionally involved in revocation investigations, Parole Board hearings, and interviewing parolees. The Department of Parole Services utilizes evidence-based practices in its daily operations,  https://parole.nebraska.gov/content/what-we-do.  
For general information, https://parole.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska State Adult Probation
Interns are typically involved in interviewing defendants for PSI reports, supervision of probationers and will observe revocation proceedings.  Note: Additional application form required.  www.supremecourt.ne.gov/probation  

Nebraska State Juvenile Probation
Interns will be given the opportunity to shadow probation officers in all aspects of juvenile justice work with juveniles.  This may include attending court hearings, participating in pre-disposition interviews, attending family team meetings, observing probation officers facilitate group sessions, touring treatment and group home facilities, attending staff and unit meetings.  https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov/probation/juvenile 

https://www.unl.edu/eskridge/Juvy Probation brochure.pdf

https://www.facebook.com/NEJudicialBranch/

Nebraska State Probation Administration
Work with Nebraska Probation Administration to streamline probation operations throughout the state.   www.supremecourt.ne.gov/probation 

United States Adult Probation
Interns are typically involved in interviewing federal defendants, assisting with reports, and observation of court proceedings. www.uscourts.gov/FederalCourts/ProbationPretrialServices.aspx 

Institutional Corrections

Lancaster County Corrections
Interns are typically involved in booking, transport, control center activities, assisting the work release coordinator, etc. www.lancaster.ne.gov/correct

Lincoln Correctional Center (LCC)
Typically assists Unit Case Managers in coordination and observation of  inmate activities, classification paperwork, providing basic needs to inmates, disciplinary hearings and more. Possible paid internship in the corrections custody area. www.corrections.nebraska.gov/lcc.html 

Nebraska Reception and Treatment Center
Work with professional staff interviewing and compiling information on newly arrived legal offenders, assessing their needs for written reports and placement within the correctional system.  Possible paid internship in the corrections custody area.  http://www.corrections.nebraska.gov/dec.html

Nebraska State Penitentiary (NSP)
Interns will assist in maintaining security, supervise inmates, assist in caseload functions and assist with inmate orientation to housing unit.  Another opportunity may be possible with the Emergency Preparedness Program.  Possible paid internship in the corrections custody area.  www.corrections.nebraska.gov/nsp.html

Seward County Detention Center
Interns are typically involved in booking, transport, control center activities, assisting the work release coordinator, etc.  http://prisonhandbook.com/3001/seward-county-jail-seward-ne/

Law Enforcement

FBI (Summer only, applications accepted from September 13 - October 17, 2021)
Compete nationally for the opportunity to work side-by-side with FBI employees at the Washington, D.C. area headquarters, or in field offices around the country. Highly competitive, but the FBI selects the most qualified candidates based on academic achievements, area of study, life/work experiences, and their current needs.  Internship is a 10-week, paid internship for college undergraduate and graduate students.  Normally applications are accepted late August to early October.  October through December applicants are reviewed, selected and interviewed.  In December, conditional job offers are extended and background investigations begin.  The summer internships start dates may vary.  Apply at: https://www.fbijobs.gov/students/undergrad

Hall County Sheriff
Work on warrants, special projects ride-along with deputies, etc. www.hcgi.org/content.lasso?page=6114 

Lancaster County Sheriff
Work on warrants, special projects, ride-along with deputies, etc.  Note: Additional application form required.  www.lancaster.ne.gov/sheriff 

Lincoln Police Department
Interns are assigned to a division such as Forgery, Technical Investigations, Property, Criminal Investigations, Dispatch, and many others.  Opportunity to ride-along with officers and help with SWAT training will be available. We also will tour the jail and other related facilities. Note: Additional Lincoln Police Department application form required.  The Lincoln Police Department will review applications and make final selections.   LPD also offers a 10-week Citizen's Police Academy once a year, email LPD667@cjis.lincoln.ne.gov for more information.  www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/police 

Nebraska State Patrol
Interns are assigned to a division such as Criminal Identification, Criminal Investigations, Research & Planning, Drug Investigations, Carrier Enforcement, Traffic Training Academy K-9, Sex Offender Registry, Criminal Investigative Analysis, etc.  Note:  Additional State Patrol application form and resume is required.  The State Patrol will review applications and make final selections. https://statepatrol.nebraska.gov

Seward County Sheriff
Interns will have the opportunity to assist the Evidence Custodian with evidence processing and submissions to the Nebraska State Crime Lab, assist in composing search/arrest warrants, will be able to view interviews of victims/suspects and ride-along with deputies.  www.countyofsewardne.com/sheriff

Seward Police Department
The internship gives individuals the opportunity to observe first-hand a wide variety of police officer duties.  Interns will be able to accompany officers during various shifts during patrol, observe traffic stops, witness call for service responses, observe and at times may even participate in department training, and be involved with several other regular duties of officers.  The internship will give a unique perspective since officers are generally responsible for almost all facets of police work from the initial contact/arrest, follow up investigation, interviews, evidence processing, report writing and court appearances. Intern applicants will be interviewed by Command Staff and undergo a background screening prior to selection.  http://www.cityofsewardne.gov/locations/police-department/ 

UNL Campus Police
Assist with special projects and have an opportunity for ride along. www.police.unl.edu

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Service
Interns assist Immigration Officers with citizenship and immigration fraud investigations.  Note: Early application is required because of background checks. www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis

U.S. Department of Homeland Security (Summer only, apply by September 15)
Interns work in the Office of Intelligence and Analysis alongside I&A employees and support their mission activities in one of four mission areas: Analysis, Operations, Mission Readiness, or Information Technology. Note: Early application is required because of background checks and granting of a security clearance.  For more information, go to this DHS brochure, and to the DHS website:  https://www.dhs.gov/homeland-security-careers/office-intelligence-and-analysis-internship-program

U.S. Marshals Service
Interns are typically involved in transporting prisoners, office work, executing miscellaneous Federal District Court orders and attending court proceedings.  Note: Early application is required because of background checks. www.justice.gov/marshals

Worlds of Fun Security (Kansas City)
Worlds of Fun is a family themed amusement park/waterpark located in Kansas City. Our security department works closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies across the region. Our program encompasses hands-on training and mentorship from certified professionals and law enforcement personnel. Through our internship program, our security personnel receive a unique set of skills, training, and experience that will assist you in becoming successful during your career. Our mission is to be a premier security department that develops leaders by providing opportunities for training, growth and success. Worlds of Fun Internship Program flyer 

York County Sheriff
The York County Sheriff’s Office seeks motivated and high-quality candidates to be interns for our agency.  Interns with the York County Sheriff’s Office are assigned primarily to our Patrol Division.  They will be assigned to a deputy per shift and with observe and assist the deputy as they carry out their duties.  The intern will have opportunities to work with, and be routinely assigned to, our Criminal Investigations Division, K-9 Unit, Criminal Interdiction Task Force, Drug Investigations Division, Corrections, and Courtroom Security Division.  They will also assist our deputies with special assignments and training.  The York County Sheriff’s Office provides its deputies with state-of-the-art equipment and training without the large agency feel.  Hours for interns will be set with consideration to the intern’s busy schedule.  Our intern program has proved successful in the industry as our interns have nearly a 100% success rate of being hired in a sworn law enforcement capacity at many agencies throughout the country. Please contact Investigator Alex Hildebrand at ahildebrand@yorkcountyne.net for more information and to enquire about being a part of our intern program.  **Our interns are subjected to a thorough background investigation and a formal interview with our Sworn Officer Hiring Committee.  A uniform shirt will be provided for the intern to wear while they are on duty.  This is an unpaid/volunteer position.  Also, check us out on Facebook at www.facebook.com/YorkCountySheriff

Legal and Courts

Hall County Public Defender's Office
Assist attorneys with cases and attend court hearings.  http://www.hcgi.org/content.lasso?page=7221

Lancaster County Public Defender's Office
Investigative Interns receive hands-on experience working in the law offices of the Lancaster County Public Defender’s office working with the Investigators conducting criminal investigations for juvenile, misdemeanor, and felony cases. Under direct supervision of the investigators, interns assist in performing a variety of investigative tasks and duties including: conducting witness research to locate witnesses, contacting witnesses and victims through various methods to arrange for interviews, observing interviews, writing detailed reports, and collecting evidence. Results of the investigations are used by attorneys to analyze or decide on potential legal strategies as well as to assist in negotiations with opposing counsel.  

Legal Aid of Nebraska (Lincoln Office)
Assist attorneys with juvenile court and civil cases for underprivileged citizens.  http://legalaidofnebraska.com/ 

Legislative Judiciary Committee (Spring term only)
Interns are involved in research related to proposed bills.  http://news.legislature.ne.gov/jud/ 

Nebraska Attorney General's Office
Top-level research and writing skills needed to help the Attorney General's Office prepare for media releases, presentations, and legal/court proceedings. https://ago.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska State Court Administrator
Interns are typically involved in court management research projects.  Past projects have included court workload reviews, sentencing guidelines, citizen’s handbook on courts, and retention of judges. www.supremecourt.ne.gov/9/administrative-office-courts

Office of Public Guardian, Nebraska Supreme Court
The Office of Public Guardian of the Nebraska Supreme Court is designed to serve as the guardian or conservator for an individual when no other alternative is available. In addition to providing the means of last resort as guardians or conservators for those situations where no family member or suitable individual is available, the Office of Public Guardian provides education, training, and support for volunteer and family guardians and conservators, and recruits individuals to serve as guardians and conservators for Nebraska’s vulnerable individuals. Internship duties handout, Internship brochure, and Office brochure can be found at https://www.unl.edu/eskridge/OPG internship duties.pdf

Seward County Attorney's Office
Interns with the Seward County Attorney's Office have the opportunity to perform a variety of legal, clerical and secretarial work for the purpose of gaining practical, first-hand knowledge and experience in the legal field. This knowledge and experience is gained by assisting attorneys in research for active litigation cases; drafting/typing correspondence, memoranda, legal proceedings, and other written material; create, arrange and distribute new files; arrange client appointments and court events with support staff and attorney; attend and observe court events; and/or other duties as assigned. Our office encourages the development of each selected internship and seeks to assist in the success of potential leaders within our communities. Cover letter and resume required.  www.countyofsewardne.com/countyattorney

Victim Assistance

Friendship Home
Shelter for abused women and children.  Interns work as women’s advocate or children’s advocate.  Some involvement with support groups.  Note:  Includes 20 hours of training.  www.friendshiphome.org

Lincoln Police Department Victim Assistance Unit
Contacting victims and witnesses regarding police and court actions, education on criminal justice processes, accompanying victims to court. www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/police/vwindex.htm 

Voices of Hope (Rape/Spouse Abuse Crisis Center)
Voices of Hope serves as an internship site for students enrolled at the undergraduate and graduate level. Interns provide a variety of direct services to victims/clients of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, harassment, and adult survivors of childhood abuses.  These services include face-to-face crisis intervention through “in-house” shifts, individual brief short-term crisis counseling, crisis line, on-call advocacy, and group facilitation. Please note an additional application, interview, and training are required. www.voicesofhopelincoln.org 

Youth/Juvenile Services

Cedars Youth Services
Work in programming with youth in residential treatment juvenile diversion services, teen court or the Freeway Station (a short-term placement for troubled youth - home setting).    Note: Additional application form required. www.cedars-kids.org

Center on Children, Families and the Law
The Center on Children, Families and the Law is a multi-disciplinary university center that seeks to enhance the well-being of children, youth, and families through research, policy analysis, and community service.  Interns assist in research, development, review, and tracking of training materials for child welfare professionals who work for the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services.  www.ccfl.unl.edu/

Juvenile Justice Institute
Work with juvenile justice agencies across the state to evaluate whether they are effective at deterring youth from the juvenile and criminal justice system.  The internship will require some hours to be completed at the JJI office and some at local agencies.  Students must have an acceptable driving record.  If travel is required, JJI will provide a vehicle.  http://www.unomaha.edu/college-of-public-affairs-and-community-service/juvenile-justice-institute

Lancaster Youth Services Center

The Lancaster Youth Services Center (LYSC) provides temporary levels of detention for youth being processed through the justice system, or who have been adjudicated and ordered by the court to serve a specified period of time. As an intern, you will explore and participate in the following: Document Individual logs on separate youth – in the criminal justice test system, Complete a mock Incident Report in Test CJIS System, Complete 20 physical location movements, Observe a Handle with Care Training Group, Observe a Pressure Point Control Tactics training group, Radio communication Training and Etiquette, Carry a Radio while at LYSC and complete 20 radio transmissions, Observe the control center (Key accountability, Camera placements/ Layout of the Facility, Movements of staff and Youth, Visitors Check and accountability, Formal Counts, Phone and Radio Communications), Observe a Full Form Intake, Observe a Release (Observe fingerprints being complete and Interview an intake staff with form provided), Practice fingerprints on a staff, Interview a youth with the form provided, and Shadow an escort.  https://www.lancaster.ne.gov/243/Youth-Services-Center

Nebraska Children and Family Services (Child Protective Services)
Children and Family Services (CFS) staff work with abused, neglected, dependent, and/or delinquent youth and their families.  CFS investigate allegations of suspected abuse and neglect.  CFS work collaboratively with families through our voluntary process, Court involved cases, or alternative response process.  CFS work closely with children, parents, and community partners to ensure for the safety, permanency, and well-being of all of the children involved in our system while assisting the parent’s to make the necessary sustainable changes needed to mitigate risk of future harm and maltreatment.  http://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Child-Welfare.aspx   

For anyone who is interested in applying for the position of Children and Family Services Specialist, please watch this video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bJM9TcaFo3s      

Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association
Nebraska Juvenile Justice Association works with organizations statewide, serving as a general resource, and more specifically, providing training for those who work with youth and families.  www.njja.org

Other

Lincoln Fire Department
The main objective of the internship program is to introduce potential future fire service applicants to the functions and responsibilities of the Lincoln Fire and Rescue Department (LFR), and to allow LFR administrative staff to get to know potential future applicants.  Interns are tasked with work in the support divisions of LFR: administration, training, and logistics. Occasionally, interns cross paths with emergency responders but the intent of the internship program is not to respond to emergencies. Examples of intern tasks include but are not limited to: data entry, running errands for support staff, picking up automotive parts for maintenance personnel, delivering mail, painting, cleaning, taking still photos and video for training officers.

Nebraska Appleseed
Nebraska Appleseed is dedicated to improving the lives of all Nebraskans through public policy, community support and education, and grassroots organizing efforts. We do this with the help of our dedicated interns.  Nebraska Appleseed interns have the chance to work on public interest issues in the areas of research, advocacy, community outreach, and other critical organizational projects.  

Nebraska Appleseed interns may work to: 

  • Advance compassionate policy and laws for Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), Temporary Protected Status (TPS) residents, and our immigrant communities. 
  • Promote access to basic needs such as housing and food nutrition services and programs. 
  • Educate Nebraskans on the importance of democracy, civic engagement, and voting. 
  • Learn about the specifics in the area of nonprofit management such as fundraising, expenditure management, managing office logistics, and more.  

 Internship details: 

  • Interns can work on cutting edge policy, research, and community outreach in the areas of Child Welfare, Economic Justice, Health Care Access, and Immigrants & Communities. 

Interns are able to work flexible hours; however, it is expected that interns work with their manager to establish a predictable schedule.  https://neappleseed.org/

Nebraska Crime Commission
The Nebraska Commission on Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice, also known as the Nebraska Crime Commission, has a multi-faceted mission. It is responsible for: inspecting county detention facilities; setting standards and providing training for law enforcement officers; investigation of complaints regarding law enforcement officer certification; oversight of Nebraska’s Criminal Justice Information System (NCJIS); and administering millions of dollars in federal and state grant programs. Interns are typically assigned a project that involves research, analysis, and/or the production of a final work product. Recent interns have worked with the Jail Standards Division, but all Divisions could have possible intern projects. https://ncc.nebraska.gov/

Nebraska Department of Insurance, Fraud Division
Interns are involved with case file review, contacting insurance companies and complainants, gathering questions and accompanying investigator on interviews.  Research for anti-fraud presentations.  https://doi.nebraska.gov/insurers/fraud

Nebraska Emergency Management Agency 
The student interns will be exposed to learning opportunities by working on tasks that are encountered by persons working in the Nebraska Emergency Management Agency.  See https://www.unl.edu/eskridge/NEMA%20Internship.xls

Nebraska Office of Public Council/State Ombudsman's Office
The State Ombudsman is a public accountability and problem-solving division of the Nebraska Legislature.  The work of the Ombudsman is compliant-driven with the majority of cases involving the Nebraska Department of Corrections and Nebraska Health and Human Services. Interns assist staff by researching applicable statutes and regulations, and communicating directly with complainants about their concerns. There may also be opportunities for engaging public policy via the legislative process.  www.nebraskalegislature.gov/divisions/ombud.php