Summer 2026 Semester Iowa Department of Public Safety Internship

Summer 2026 Semester Iowa Department Of Public Safety InternshipThis is a non-merit, non-paid internship position. Candidates must follow the instructions in the "To Apply" section. Have you ever considered pursuing a career in law enforcement? Would you like to participate in a unique internship opportunity with the Iowa Department of Public Safety (DPS)? This program is designed to provide a real life, UNPAID, work opportunity that will enhance your understanding of public safety and community policing while receiving hands on experience in law enforcement operations. Selected applicants from any academic major will be exposed to various divisions and bureaus within DPS while gaining understanding of their operational structures and while fulfilling academic requirements through your university. During the internship program, you will have the opportunity to interact with leadership and personnel from all 7 DPS Divisions, your fellow interns, and DPS retirees. Group projects and daily logs will be assigned throughout the internship. You can expect to become acquainted with the operations surrounding all Divisions within the Department of Public Safety:Division of Criminal InvestigationState Fire MarshalDivision of Narcotics EnforcementProfessional Development and Support ServicesDivision of IntelligenceIowa State PatrolCriminalistics Laboratoryand many support rolesAs a DPS intern, you will explore potential careers with the DPS by contributing to initiatives that promote public safety and community engagement. Bring your interpersonal skills, willingness to learn, and explore what career opportunities await you as either a sworn officer or civilian employee. Upon completion of your internship, Iowa DPS strives to create a seamless transition from your academic journey to a rewarding career within our department.Qualifications/Requirements+ 18 years old+ Current college student or near graduation+ US Citizen+ In good standing with college/university+ Hold a valid driver's license and can provide own transportation+ Open to applicants currently living in Iowa or within 25 miles of the Iowa boarder.+ Can successfully pass a thorough background investigation (Additional application materials will be requested at a later date)Program Location/Length/Hours:+ Internships are unpaid and subject to availability. There are several internship opportunities located throughout Iowa and final selection will be based on the needs of the Iowa Department of Public Safety.+ The internship program is 7-8 weeks long and will cover 140 hours.+ We will work with your college/university to accommodate more hours if needed for your institution.+ Worktime will be flexible based on focus of division.+ Point of contact: dpsinterns@dps.state.ia.us+ Applicants are encouraged to attach a cover letter and resume within the NEOGOV application.Start Your Career: If you have already decided to pursue a career in law enforcement, we are accepting applications for our 55th Basic Academy through January 12, 2026.The State of Iowa participates in E-Verify, a federal program that helps employers confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. Within the required timeframe, new hires will be verified through the E-Verify system to ensure authorization to work in the United States. The State of Iowa also complies with the federal Right to Work laws, which protect employees' rights to work without being required to join a labor organization.For more information, please visit www.e-verify.gov.Minimum Qualification Requirements Applicants for positions in this class must be currently enrolled students in a degree program at an accredited educational institution, as determined by the Iowa Department of Administrative Services Human Resources Enterprise.Why Choose the State of Iowa? At the heart of our commitment to excellence is a dedication to our most valuable asset our employees. Discover the outstanding benefits that set us apart as an employer of choice. Our Robust Benefits Package Includes:Competitive CompensationHealth and WellnessRetirement PlanningPaid Time OffProfessional DevelopmentEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)Diversity and InclusionJoin Us - Elevate Your Career: Ready to elevate your career with the State of Iowa? Click here to explore more about our unparalleled benefits and discover what makes us unique. Your success is our priority01 Do you understand that the answers to all of the following questions must be truthful, honest, and accurate to the best of your ability? Please read all questions and answers thoroughly and make sure you understand them completely. Ensure the answers to your questions match the information filled out on your application and the attachments you have uploaded. If the answers to your questions are inconsistent with your application information or uploaded attachments, you will be given zero points for the question. Knowingly misrepresenting the facts when submitting any information related to an application, examination, certification, appeal, or any other facet of the selection process will result in your disqualification from this application and future employment with the state of Iowa.02 PLEASE READ CAREFULLY Have you filed a registration statement pursuant to the federal Foreign Agents Registration Act of 1938, as amended, 22 U.S.C. 611 et seq?03 Please refer to the map in the posting to indicate up to two locations where you are interested in serving the internship04 Do you reside in Iowa or within 25 miles of the Iowa border?Required Question Employer State of Iowa Agency 595 Iowa Department of Public Safety Address 215 E 7th St Des Moines, Iowa, 50319