Strategic Planning & Analysis

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. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I locate an application?

Application forms can be obtained by contacting Captain Joe Browning.
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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.