CRIMINAL JUSTICE INTERNSHIPS

      The Criminal Justice Internship electives (CRJ 250 and CRJ 251) are strongly recommended for students not intending to transfer to a senior institution and/or for students with little or no working experience in the field.  In order to be eligible for an internship placement, students must have a cumulative GPR of 2.5 or better and be in their second year of the Criminal Justice program.  Students are encouraged to individually pursue acceptable internship placements on their own.  However, all internship sites must be approved by the Criminal Justice Program Director.  General requirements of CRJ 250 and CRJ 251 are as follows:

      1.  During a single semester, a minimum of 175 hours of work experience must be completed within a specific agency.

      2.  An Internship Plan must be completed in conjunction with the agency supervisor and returned to the Criminal Justice Program Director.

3.  Attendance at scheduled meetings with the Criminal Justice Program Director and agency supervisor as announced.

4.  Visitation by the Criminal Justice Program Director to agency site at least once each semester.

5.  Evaluation form to be completed by the agency supervisor and returned to The Criminal Justice Program Director.

6.   Completion of a self-evaluation form by each individual student and returned to the Criminal Justice Program Director.

7.   Participation in five scheduled seminars meeting throughout the semester.

Students enrolling in CRJ 250 or CRJ 251 will receive a packet of information concerning the specific requirements of the Criminal Justice Internship Program.  Students wishing to register for an Internship must see Larry Saunders, Program Director for approval.

          Please be advised of the following policies regarding the Criminal Justice Internship Program:

1.            Eligibility for participation in the Internship Program is reserved for students of senior standing with a cumulative GPR of 2.5 or better.

2.            Prior to registering for CRJ 250 or CRJ 251, the participating student must receive approval from the CRJ Program Director.  Upon approval, the CRJ Program Director will sign an Internship Agreement form.  Students must then deliver the form to the appropriate Agency supervisor for signature and return it to the CRJ Program Director.  At that time the student will be enrolled in the course.

3.               Students enrolling in CRJ 250 or CRJ 251 will be provided assistance by the CRJ Faculty in securing a placement site.  Students are encouraged however, to initiate their own internship site with approval of the CRJ Program Director.

4.                Each student must complete 170 hours of internship experience in the respective agency.  In addition, the student must attend five scheduled seminars held on campus. 

5.        Should a student be asked by the agency supervisor to leave an internship because he/she has broken agency rules, refused to carry out assignments, exhibited habitual tardiness or absence, or in any other manner disrupted the agency or clients, that student's grade for the semester will be an "F."

          6.            A syllabus and general course outline will be distributed at the beginning of each term.  Supplements to this outline may be given periodically throughout the semester.  Each student is held responsible for the requirements on all course outlines.

         7.            Students are allowed to complete CRJ 250 and CRJ 251 at the same agency provided the experience continues to enhance the student's knowledge and skills.

         8.            Absence from internship work is not excused.  In the event of an emergency or illness, the agency supervisor should be notified as quickly as possible.  Arrangements to make up the missed hours are the student's responsibility.

         9.            Necessary paperwork will be due periodically throughout the semester.  All required forms and papers must be submitted on time at the request of the CRJ Program Director.

INTERNSHIP LOCATIONS

The following is a list of agencies that have utilized Criminal Justice Interns in the past or have indicated a willingness to accept them in the future.  Within each agency site, students may be exposed to a variety of duties particular to the functioning of that agency.  No student is guaranteed the internship of their choice.  Each agency reserves the right to accept or reject a potential intern.  Students may initiate their own internship sites provided they are approved by the Program Director of Criminal Justice.

Columbia Police Department

Cayce Police Department

Dorn V.A. Hospital

Irmo Police Department

Lexington County Sheriff”s Department, Traffic Division, Detective Division

Richland County Sheriff”s Department

South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice Community Services

South Carolina Department of Probation, Parole and Pardon Services

South Carolina Law Enforcement Division

Town of Lexington Police Department, Victim’s Advocate Office