Internship Program

Program Information

 

The Punta Gorda Police Department offers a great opportunity to those seeking to gain educational experience in law enforcement, criminal justice, or small government administration through our internship program. Participants in our program receive a varied and well rounded understanding of how a law enforcement agency functions and gain valuable experience for their future careers. Our goal is to provide internship program participants with exposure to many different aspects of law enforcement including: 

• Uniformed Patrol
• Communications
• Criminal Investigations
• Evidence & Property
• Crime Scene
• Records
• Police Administration
• School Resource Officer Program
• Community Services
• Volunteers in Policing
• Staff Inspections
• Law Enforcement Accreditation
• Employee Development
• Administrative Services
• Marine Patrol
• And more...
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

To be eligible to participate in the Punta Gorda Police Department Internship Program all applicants:

• Must be a senior in high school or college student;
• Must provide current transcripts for evaluation;
• Must be in compliance with the Punta Gorda Police Department's Drug Free Policy;
• Must complete the application process;
• Must successfully pass a background investigation including fingerprinting;
• Must not have any record of felony arrests. Misdemeanor arrests will be reviewed on a case by case basis;
• Must provide two referrals from professors or teachers;
• Must participate in a staff interview to determine suitability for successful completion of the program.

The police department is limited to two internship positions per semester, so the process can be competitive. Candidates for the internship program will be evaluated based several factors including, but not limited to, educational progress, grades, experience and courses of study, backgrounds, and an interview. We encourage those seeking an internship to apply early as we make selections well ahead of the start of the semester. 

What Sets Us Apart?

We know that you have options when it comes to choosing an internship program, but not all internship programs are the same. At the Punta Gorda Police Department we customize each intern's program based on your specific educational needs and interests. The number of hours and schedule can be adjusted to fit your needs. In addition, while we try to ensure that every intern receives a well rounded view of the department, additional time can be allotted for sections of the agency (i.e. patrol, administration, crime scene, etc.) that you have a particular interest in.

  

For more information on becoming a PGPD intern or to apply, 
please contact the internship program coordinator at:

(941) 575-5571

OR

employeedevelopment@pgorda.us

The City of Punta Gorda is a Drug Free Workplace, Equal Opportunity,
and Veterans' Preference Employer.

It is the policy of the City of Punta Gorda to recognize and fulfill its commitment to the community in the area of Equal Employment Opportunity through an affirmative action plan that will increase both the quantity of minorities and females employed; and the level of responsibility of jobs held by minorities and females employed within the City government.  The City will not knowingly permit discrimination in hiring, promotion, or other conditions of employment with regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ethnicity, age, sex, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, veteran status or disability.  Those charged with the daily administration of this policy will be responsible for guarding against under-utilization of minorities and females within the organization and will work toward the eventual goal of full representation of minorities and females at all levels in the organization. All elements of the selection process shall be job related.