How to Start a Forensic Internship Program

When it comes to forensic internship programs, I’m a seasoned pro!

Most of you reading this are probably working forensic practitioners and the thought of a forensic intern makes you role your eyes and cringe. But why is the thought of having an intern so daunting? Is it the feeling you have to constantly entertain? The lack of resources to provide the student? Or are you just too busy you can’t be bothered?

What if you took the time to create a structured program that not only benefits the student, but you as well?!?

Creating an internship program can be one of the most rewarding ways to give back to the forensic community. Internships bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world application, providing students with hands-on experience while offering your agency fresh perspectives and support. Whether you’re motivated by a passion for teaching, a desire to foster the next generation of forensic professionals, or a need for extra help in your unit, setting up a successful internship program requires thoughtful planning.  

Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:  

 1. Obtain Agency Buy-In  

Before jumping into the details, make sure your agency supports the idea of hosting interns. We have all encountered “roadblocks” when suggesting an idea to upper management. Present the benefits of an internship program, such as:  

– Building lasting relationships between major Universities to aid in research or equipment validation studies.  

– Molding potential future employees.  

– Gaining assistance with non-sensitive tasks or projects.  

To gain buy-in, prepare a proposal highlighting how the program aligns with your agency’s or unit goals. Address potential concerns like liability, confidentiality, and workload by presenting clear solutions, such as a vetting process for interns and signed agreements covering ethical and legal expectations.  

2. Develop Specific Internship Forms and Guidelines 

Clear documentation ensures that everyone involved in the program understands their roles and responsibilities. Key forms to consider include:  

– Internship Agreement Form: Outlines expectations, confidentiality clauses, and any legal stipulations.  

– Daily or Weekly Progress Logs: Helps track the intern’s activities and progress. Most likely, the student will be filling one of these out for their own University.

– Evaluation Forms: For both the intern to evaluate their experience and your agency to assess the intern’s performance.  Constructive criticism paves the way for future greatness!

These documents help maintain professionalism and accountability throughout the program.  

3. Set Student Qualifications and the Interview Process 

The forensic field requires accuracy and integrity, so it’s essential to screen potential interns carefully. Set minimum qualifications, such as:  

– Enrollment in a forensic science or natural science program.  

– A minimum GPA (if applicable).  

– Relevant coursework or basic understanding of forensic concepts.  

– It is recommended that the student be either a junior or senior in college or enrolled in a graduate program.

Develop a structured interview process to assess candidates’ communication skills, attention to detail, and enthusiasm for learning. Worst case scenario, if the student is not selected for the position, they still learned valuable interview skills.

I also like to make it a requirement that the applicant has not completed a forensic science internship before. These spots are far and few between and I want every student to be able to have to opportunity to have an internship.

4. Create a Forensic-Specific Curriculum  

Tailor the internship experience to provide value to both your agency and the student. Start by identifying what interns can realistically accomplish without compromising sensitive casework. For a latent print-focused internship, you might include:  

– Learning proper evidence handling and documentation techniques by direct observation in the lab or on scene.  

– Conducting mock comparisons and AFIS searches.  

– Observing courtroom testimony or sit in on a pre-trial meeting.  

Make sure to provide meaningful tasks that build skills and understanding, avoiding busywork that doesn’t contribute to their learning.  

5. Evaluate and Improve the Program 

Your first round (or a few rounds lol) of interns may highlight areas of improvement. At the end of each internship term, ask for feedback from both the intern and their supervisor. Questions could include:  

– Did the intern feel supported and engaged?  

– Were the tasks assigned appropriate for their skill level?  

– What could be improved during their internship timeframe?  

Regularly reviewing the program ensures it stays relevant, impactful, and aligned with both student needs and agency objectives.  

Starting a forensic internship program is an investment of time and effort, but it can create lasting benefits for your agency and the broader forensic community. By carefully planning each step and prioritizing both the intern’s education and your agency’s needs, you’ll build a program that fosters growth, professionalism, and innovation.  It truly is a rewarding experience for the forensic site supervisor as well!

Are you thinking about starting an internship program or improving an existing one? Let’s chat in the comments or connect on Instagram—I’d love to hear your thoughts!  

Looking for more career advice or behind-the-scenes insights into forensic science? Follow The Proper Seal for all things forensic and lifestyle!