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Strategic Planning & Analysis
The Strategic Planning and Analysis Division handles police data, analysis, intelligence, planning, research, and information technology.
Greenville Police Department engages with students in order to bridge the gap between academic programs and practitioners. We believe in the substantial value of hands-on, experiential learning as a method of identifying, training, and recruiting quality criminal justice personnel for the future.
In 2016, Greenville Police Department re-established a college and graduate school internship program. We have hosted fifteen students from regional colleges, including Bob Jones, Piedmont Tech, Clemson, University of South Carolina, Anderson, Greenville Tech, Methodist, and Appalachian University for 100-200 hours apiece.
Prospective interns must be enrolled in college and sponsored by their school.
Additional details can be obtained by contacting Dr. Lee Hunt.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I locate an application?
Application forms can be obtained by contacting Dr. Lee Hunt at lhunt@greenvillesc.gov
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You’ll need to complete the following:
a. Intern Program Information Sheet
b. Letter from the university or college’s department head/dean acknowledging that the student is currently enrolled in school, in good standing, and is participating in the internship program.
c. Employee Acknowledgement of the Drug-Free Workplace Act
d. Employee Acknowledgement of the City Employee Handbook.
What qualifications must I meet to apply?
Prospective interns must be considering a profession related to policing or crime or intelligence analysis. Prospective interns must be currently enrolled in a post-secondary educational program leading to an undergraduate or graduate degree or to a technical certificate program in a field relevant to the police department’s functions. Students must retain their student status during the internship.
Interns should be advanced enough in their educational programs to have begun taking courses in a field related to their work at the City. However, in a few cases, extensive work experience may supplement current academic placement.
What are the core responsibilities of this role?
Assignments depend upon school requirements. Most programs have a minimum number of hours (100-160) for the student to be in residence, along with completion of a performance evaluation at the end of the internship.
What does a normal day look like?
- Orientation throughout the department, and insight into police communications, investigations / detective division, victim advocacy, traffic unit, community response team, and training division.
- Riding along with officers throughout their daily shifts.
- Working alongside crime and intelligence analysts in Strategic Planning and Analysis, assisting with data review and analysis or requests for assistance.
- Tours/orientation to corrections and court.
- Attendance at relevant training sessions and community meetings during the internship.
What should my end goals be, or what will I get out of being in this role?
A deeper understanding of the complexity of roles and responsibilities within our policing profession; and appreciation for the variety of community interests in Greenville.
What attributes does someone need to be successful in this role?
A good listener; diligence; patience; self-motivation; willingness to help out with different projects. Strong critical thinking, problem-solving, and writing skills also factor into success.
Is there any other information someone would need to know before applying?
- Interns must successfully complete a drug screening and background check before beginning the internship.
- Police Department internships are in high demand, and space is extremely limited. Applications must be submitted 8 weeks in advance of the proposed start date.
The reality of policework really resonates with our criminal justice interns. They have characterized their time as “One of the greatest hands-on educational opportunities” they’ve ever had. Interns reflect upon their experiences:
I found my internship with GPD to be the most important part of my education, and I truly believe I learned more in the three months during my internship than I did in four years in the classroom. I highly suggest anyone considering an internship with Greenville Police Department to go for it. -Adam D., 2017 intern
My internship experience at Greenville City Police Department was more than just eye opening. I gained more knowledge than I could have ever gained in the classroom. I gained a respect for the officers and the many people who are behind the protection of our community. The people who I spoke to while I was there made me feel so welcome and answered any questions that I had.... I left my experience with a whole new perspective and respect for the people who work so hard to protect us. I am very appreciative for the time I spent there and the great people who took the time to speak with me. - Maegan C., 2016 intern
One 2017 college graduate commented that, due to her internship experience, she has “filled out an application with GPD to become a patrol officer; I am very thankful with this agency and everyone who took the time to show me their day-to-day lives.”
When I’m asked for one word to describe the GPD internship program, I can only think of excellence, starting from day 1. … I got to ride with several GPD officers and see them in action. It was interesting to see how each one was doing the same job, but with their own personal style. I can honestly attest that I left GPD with a good idea of what each unit within the department does to work together, from administration, to patrol officers, and to investigators. -Deisy L., 2017 intern
Another former intern, who recently graduated with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, now works at GPD as a police officer.
My internship experience at GPD allowed me to see multiple sides of policing. From the ride alongs with officers that allowed me to see the day to day of what they experience and what that job entails, to sitting with Dispatch and listening to 911 calls as they come in, this internship gave me a much broader view of GPD and policing as a profession. -Chris V., 2017 intern