Internship - Homicide Unit

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At the City of Austin, we are more than just an employer-we are a vibrant community dedicated to shaping one of the nation's most dynamic and innovative cities. Our guiding principles-Empathy, Ethics, Excellence, Engagement, and Equity - anchor our approach in delivering services that significantly impact the lives of Austin residents. Joining the City of Austin means embarking on a purposeful career, contributing to the community, and being part of a forward-thinking organization that values every employee.

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• Make a Difference: Join a team driving meaningful change in one of the fastest-growing cities in the nation.
  
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• Competitive Benefits: Enjoy a comprehensive compensation package that includes generous leave, work-life balance programs, and extensive benefits.
  
• Retirement Security: Plan for the future with the City of Austin Employees' Retirement System.
  
• Sustainable Transportation Options: Commute easily with access to public transit and bike-friendly infrastructure.
  
• Focus on Wellness: Stay healthy through wellness programs, on-site fitness centers, and mental health support.
  
• Career Growth: Advance your skills and expertise with professional development and leadership opportunities.
  
• Modern Workspaces: Work in innovative and sustainable environments designed to foster collaboration and inspiration.
  

By joining us, you become part of a community that values its people and is committed to making Austin the most thriving and resilient city in the country.

Job Description:

Purpose:

Under general supervision, this position assists in general administrative or research functions to develop a working knowledge of a targeted area in municipal government.

Duties, Functions, and Responsibilities:

Essential duties and functions, pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, may include the following. Other related duties may be assigned.

• Observes and assists professionals in the assigned department to learn about areas of career interest.
• Assists, as necessary, in the coordination, administration, or monitoring of specific programs.
• Assists, as necessary, with researching, collecting and organizing data, performing analyses, and preparing reports to supplement knowledge gained through academic courses.
• Participates, as necessary, in finding solutions to existing problems and discusses recommendations with administrative personnel to acquire skills in problem solving.
• Assists with special projects.

Responsibilities - Supervisor and/or Leadership Exercised:

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of Federal, State, and Local laws and ordinances.
• Knowledge of applicable processes, techniques, and methods.
• Knowledge of City practices, policies, and procedures.
• Knowledge of statistical analysis.
• Skill in oral and written communication.
• Skill in using computers and related software applications.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to operate a computer keyboard and other basic office equipment.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively.
• Ability to create clear and concise reports.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective communication and working relationships with City employees and the public.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.

Notes to Candidate:

The APD Recruiting Unit recently launched an internship program that is designed to provide generalized exposure of APD operations to candidates who are in college. In its current form, the program seeks to transition candidates from the internship program directly into an APD academy class as a police cadet.

We recognize the existence of qualified intern candidates who are not yet seniors, but who are considering police work as a career. In an effort the capture and maintain the interest of these younger students, the APD Homicide Internship Program seeks to expose them to the inner workings of APD in order to earn their personal commitment to someday become Austin police officers.

To accomplish this, the APD Homicide Internship Program will provide students with real work experiences. As interns with the Homicide Unit, their primary focus will be related to death investigations, but our goal is to provide them with and a broad range of unique opportunities to meet and work with APD employees from around the department.

• The internship program will take place between the months of October to December of 2025 (depending on the end of the applicant’s fall semester and the beginning of their spring semester).
  
• Interns will be required to attend a minimum of 8 hours per week
  
• Complete a total of 120 hours in order to successfully complete the program. Given the nature and complex nature of Homicide work, interns will be required to maintain a flexible schedule (for call-back purposes).
  

Join us!

Purpose:
Candidates who successfully complete the APD Homicide Internship Program will have gained experience unlike any other program. Students will be exposed to Homicide investigations, crime scene processing, autopsies, patrol, tactical operations, and intelligence research. Students will also be able to tailor their experiences based on their field of study at their respective colleges and universities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Graduation from an accredited high school or equivalent.
  
• Enrolled in an accredited college or university undergraduate degree program, with some advanced coursework related to the internship program.
  

Preferred Fields of Study:

Criminal Justice, Criminology, Forensic Psychology, Forensic Chemistry, Forensic Science

Location: APD Main Headquarters 715 E. 8th Street Austin TX 78701

Schedule: Monday- Thursday day/hours are flexible

Payrate: Unpaid Internship/Can obtain college credit

Prior to starting the program, interns will go through a background check completed by the Program Coordinator. Once complete, the coordinator will prepare a brief summary listing the findings. Issues discovered during the check will be reviewed with the chain-of-command. A final decision on eligibility will be made after the Homicide chain-of-command discuss and render a decision.

The limited background check will consist of:
• Criminal History Check (CCH)
• Versadex Review
• DL/ID Check
• Warrant Check
• Internet Search
• Reference Check (if applicable)
• Fingerprinting

EEO Statement for City of Austin:

The City of Austin will not discriminate against any applicant or employee based on race, creed, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, age, religion, veteran status, disability, or sexual orientation. In addition, the City will not discriminate in employment decisions on the basis of an individual's AIDS, AIDS Related Complex, or HIV status; nor will the City discriminate against individuals who are perceived to be at risk of HIV infection, or who associate with individuals who are believed to be at risk.

City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. If you require reasonable accommodation during the application process or have a question regarding an essential job function, please call (512) 974-3210 or Texas Relay by dialing 7-1-1.

Closing Date/Time: 2025-10-07

• 

• City of Austin

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