City of Mesquite Police Department

Police Officer Internship Program - Police Officer

Detailed listing

Delivery

In person source value: In-Person

Length

About 9 to 13 weeks source value: 61 - 90 days

Type

Police Officer

Branches

Air Force, Army, Coast Guard, Marine Corps, Navy, Space Force

Career field

Protective Service

Summary

This internship program provides participants with broad exposure to municipal law enforcement operations, administrative services, and public safety support functions. Beginning with program orientation, participants gain an understanding of organizational structure, professional standards, workplace expectations, safety protocols, and the civilian hiring pathway, including participation in the civil service examination process. Participants rotate through key operational and support divisions to develop foundational knowledge of emergency communications, records management, public information processes, property and evidence handling, detention operations, and compliance standards necessary for transparency and legal integrity. The program includes extensive exposure to Patrol Operations, which encompasses proactive policing strategies, call response procedures, officer safety principles, traffic and impaired-driving enforcement concepts, K-9 operations, commercial motor vehicle enforcement, and unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) integration with FAA compliance and operational risk management considerations. Within the Criminal Investigations Division, participants observe investigative workflows related to property crimes, auto theft, crimes against persons, major crimes, narcotics investigations, and crime scene management. Emphasis is placed on evidence integrity, case documentation, victim-centered practices, interagency coordination, and prosecutorial collaboration. Additional components include firearms and range safety protocols, crime analysis functions supporting strategic planning, community policing initiatives focused on engagement and trust-building, and school resource officer operations centered on youth safety, threat assessment, and educational partnerships. Overall, this program provides a comprehensive understanding of law enforcement operations, investigative processes, regulatory compliance, community engagement, and public safety support systems, preparing participants for potential civilian employment pathways within a modern municipal police organization.

Eligibility

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTSCandidates must meet the minimum qualifications below that have been established by State of Texas, Chapter 143, Police and Fire Civil Service Regulations. Candidates must be not less than 21 years of age at the next scheduled Academy start date (October 5,2026)Lateral candidates must be not less than 21 years of age. Candidates must be a U.S. Citizen (under the provisions of State Civil Service Law).Must have a High School Diploma or GED Education and Experience Requirements Candidates must either: have successfully completed 30 hours of college credit from an accredited college or university* in any subject, provided the calculation of hours successfully completed shall not include any remedial courses or course grades below “C”; or have completed a minimum of 2 years of patrol and/or investigative experience as a full-time commissioned police officer; or have completed a minimum of 2 years of active military duty with an honorable discharge; or have completed a minimum of 18 months of full-time employment with the City of Mesquite*An accredited college or university must be accredited by one of the following agencies: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools Middle States Commission on Higher Education New England Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission - formerly North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges Western Association of Schools and Colleges Coursework from a foreign college or university will also be accepted after being reviewed by an agency that is certified by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES) to determine the course taken, credit received and letter grade earned. ADDITIONAL REQUIRTEMENTS Candidate's vision must be at least 20/70 uncorrected in each eye, correctable to 20/20 in each eye with no color blindness. Candidates may not be certified as eligible if audio metric testing shows average hearing loss in their unaided better ear greater than 40 decibels (dB) at 500 Hz, 1000 Hz, and 2000 Hz when the audio metric devise is calibrated to ANSI Z24.5.Candidates must be mentally alert, have the ability to get along well with others, willing to perform assigned duties and responsibilities, be conscientious and dependable and in excellent physical condition. Candidates will be expected to participate in and pass a qualifying physical ability and medical examination, including drug testing.LICENSES AND CERTIFICATESPossession of a valid Class C Texas driver's license. Possession of, or ability to obtain certification as a Peace Officer by the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE).Legal qualification, under the laws of the United States of America and the State of Texas, to possess firearms and ammunition. The following will be DISQUALIFYING: Any use of marijuana that exceeds very limited experimentation or any experimentation within two (2) years immediately prior to testing. No police applicant may use or possess cocaine within ten years of application and not more than three times. Any illegal use of a controlled substance other than marijuana and cocaine. Any felony conviction.

What the work involves

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIESAdheres to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures. Prepare reports on crimes and activities; attend roll call, briefings and administrative meetings. Participate in firearms training in order to maintain proficiency; participate in training for and operate other applicable law enforcement equipment and weapons. Use departmental computer equipment to input, review and gain records, information and other various data; write reports of arrests, investigations, and other involvement in law enforcement related activities. Participate in a variety of law enforcement activities and programs including making arrests of suspects in traffic and criminal offenses, executing search warrants, issuing citations, appearing in court for criminal, civil and other law enforcement related matters, attending roll call meetings; conduct surveillance; apprehend offenders; conduct interviews or interrogations with various persons relevant to investigations, arrests, complaints and other law enforcement matters. Interact and work with citizens regarding existing and potential law enforcement and crime prevention problems; preserve good relationships with the general public; continually take an active role in educating the public regarding crime and crime prevention. Patrol business and residential areas; respond to alarms; enforce traffic and parking laws and ordinances; respond to and investigate traffic accidents; assist motorists in distress; operate MDC (Mobile Data Computer), speed detection devices, and other police equipment as appropriate. Respond to emergency calls. Participate in investigations involving crimes against persons and/or property; secure crime scenes; preserve evidence; direct vehicular and pedestrian traffic; maintain crowd control; interview witnesses, complainants and suspects; initiate and prepare field reports about offenses or crimes. Mediate civil and domestic disputes. Confiscate and document any illegal, stolen or found property. Respond to and assist with emergency medical situations as appropriate; respond to and assist with fires and other disasters or extraordinary events. Participate in a variety of technical investigative activities involved in identifying and prosecuting persons responsible for the commission of criminal offenses.OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: May participate in tactical operations; may participate in undercover operations, stakeouts and other intelligence-gathering activities. Preserve, evaluate and record physical and trace evidence at crime scenes; evaluate all aspects of the crime scene for evidence. May participate in gathering information about or intervening in gang-related activities. May prepare and process fingerprint cards; may catalogue and file cards. May coordinate, prepare and present information to students in the Law Enforcement Teaching Students (LETS) program or at meetings of other organized groups; prepare information about crime prevention for media sources. May meet with school administrators and teachers about educational programs; interact with students participating in educational programs to provide information, answer questions and address concerns. May conduct and assist in firearm and other police equipment and weaponry training for departmental personnel. May collect, package, transport, secure, document and inventory impounded property. May greet and provide information to persons visiting department; receive and record offense reports from persons at department; receive monies for delinquent utility bills; process and release impounded vehicles. Report conditions to other city, county, state or utility agencies which require immediate attention. Perform other duties as assigned. Salary: $83,868.62 - $107,039.79 (Paid while in Academy)For more information visit: www.iwanttobeacop.net

Locations

• Mesquite, TX