Investigative Intern 2021-2022

The District of Columbia’s Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is seeking several enthusiastic and dedicated college interns for its investigative internship program. OPC is a District of Columbia government agency that receives, investigates, and resolves citizen complaints of police misconduct filed against Metropolitan Police Department and D.C. Housing Authority officers. OPC provides an independent and impartial forum for the processing of police misconduct complaints and promotes the highest attainable standard of integrity, professionalism, and accountability in the District’s police department and housing authority officers.

College interns work alongside experienced staff on a variety of projects. The primary duties of college interns are to assist with police misconduct investigations by collecting and reviewing evidence, participating in interviews, and drafting investigative memos and reports. Duties also may include special projects being conducted by the agency. In addition, interns may assist with responding to information requests from the public and conducting community outreach events designed to disseminate information about the agency and its function.

Summer interns must commit to working 40 hours per week and spring and fall interns must commit to working at least 16 hours per week to be considered for the program.

Fall and spring internships are unpaid, but can be done in conjunction with a course for academic credit. There is a stipend paid for summer internships as budget allows. 

Applicants should have strong research, writing, and interpersonal skills, and be able to work with diverse populations. Courses in government, political science, public policy, civil rights, and criminal justice are viewed favorably, as are foreign language skills especially Spanish.

APPLICATION DEADLINES ARE: 

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and writing sample by the following dates:

Fall 2021                  August 6, 2021

Spring 2021              November 26, 2021

Summer 2022           April 8, 2022

Applicants must apply for this position on OPC’s website at https://policecomplaints.dc.gov/page/office-police-complaints-opc-internship-application-form.

For more information about OPC and the internship program, please contact the office at 202-727-3838 or visit OPC’s website at https://policecomplaints.dc.gov/page/internship-program.