Illinois Police Internship: Requirements and Opportunities
The Illinois Law Enforcement Training Act has paved the way for civilians to pursue a career in law enforcement by allowing them to get trained and certified as law enforcement officers. This happens at a certified Illinois police academy even before they are hired by law enforcement agencies. Traditionally, recruits are first hired by a law enforcement agency and then sent to a police academy for training. This article delves into the requirements, processes, and opportunities surrounding police internships in Illinois, with a focus on programs like the one offered at Southwestern Illinois Police Academy.
Understanding the Police Internship Program
The student internship program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of a career in law enforcement. As an intern, individuals rotate through a variety of shifts and specialty units. This allows them to understand the numerous tasks a law enforcement officer handles. The program responds to law enforcement administrators seeking a pool of trained and certified candidates available for service. Moreover, it enables civilians seeking a career in law enforcement to attend basic law enforcement training at their own expense.
Southwestern Illinois Police Academy Internship
Currently, the Intern application process is available at the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy. The academy expects the best of its faculty and staff and of those who attend its basic police training program. Upon successful completion of the program, the student will earn 24 hours of college credit and be awarded a Basic law Enforcement Certificate from the Police Academy.
Eligibility and Application Process
The internship program is exclusively for Illinois residents. The selection process involves multiple steps that applicants must successfully navigate.
Initial Application
The first step is to return the completed application to the Southwestern Illinois Police Academy. After all forms and applications are received, interviews will be arranged for all applicants. If you choose CLJ, then you have to contact the CLJ department and apply with them first.
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Character and Criminal History
According to Illinois Compiled Statutes (50 ILCS 705/6(e)), "No applicant will be admitted to a certified academy unless the applicant is a person of good character and has not been convicted of a felony offense or a crime involving moral turpitude under the laws of this state or any other state which if committed in this state would be punishable as a felony or a crime of moral turpitude." This ensures that only individuals with high ethical standards are considered for law enforcement roles.
P.O.W.E.R. Test and Physical Requirements
As part of the applicant process, there will be five test/procedures, including the P.O.W.E.R. screening, and fingerprinting. The P.O.W.E.R. Test will be the first test given, and will last approximately 3 1/2 hours. The cost for the P.O.W.E.R. Test is included in your initial application fee. Failure to pass any section of this test will prevent an applicant from proceeding to the next step in the application process and no further fees will be assessed.
The P.O.W.E.R. test is a critical component, and applicants must meet specific physical standards. Prior to the P.O.W.E.R., applicants must have health insurance with Emergency Room coverage. It is advisable to begin a physical conditioning program to pass the P.O.W.E.R. Clarification on specific requirements can be obtained by clicking on any P.O.W.E.R Test link for detailed information regarding each section of the test as well as the required performance standards.
Additional Tests and Procedures
In addition to the P.O.W.E.R. test, the application process includes further screening, and fingerprinting.
Academic and Writing Skills Assessment
Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in arithmetic, reading, grammar, and report writing skills. An interview (Phase III) will assess these skills.
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Interview Phase
The interview phase is a critical step in determining an applicant's suitability for the internship. Interviews will be scheduled throughout the year. Enforcement professionals conduct the interview. The interview will assess various qualities and skills deemed essential for success in the law enforcement field.
Notification
Following the interview, applicants will receive confirmation of acceptance or denial into the program.
Internship Training Curriculum
Basic training is the equivalent of 640 hours. The comprehensive curriculum covers a variety of subjects essential to the law enforcement field. Students must complete all 640 hours of training. In the event of illness, injury, or other emergencies which cause absenteeism, an assessment and plan will be made for making up missed instruction.
Schedule
Classes are typically held Monday through Friday, during the day, as well as occasional evening classes. The schedule includes a ten-minute break between each class with 45 minutes allotted for lunch. Students will also need to allow time for homework in the evenings.
Performance Standards
An overall average of 70% must be maintained for the entire course. There are no exceptions. Students must also demonstrate proficiency in the use of firearms and maintain a course notebook.
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Uniforms and Equipment
Students will be issued classroom (polo shirts) and athletic clothing.
State Certification Exam
On the final day of class, students will take the State Certification Exam, which is a requirement for all law enforcement officers.
Graduation
Upon successful completion of the program, a graduation ceremony will be conducted, and graduates will receive an Intern Training Certificate.
Certification and Employment
Law Enforcement Intern Certificate
According to Illinois Compiled Statutes (50 ILCS 708/20) Sec. 20, the Board shall require law enforcement interns to undertake, at a minimum, the same training requirements as established for law enforcement officers under the Illinois Police Training Act. The Board certificate reserved for law enforcement officers shall not be awarded until the law enforcement intern is employed, has successfully completed the State certification exam, and meets the requirements established by the Board. The Law Enforcement Intern Certificate shall be issued to the trainee following the successful completion of the course.
Transition Course
The graduate law enforcement intern, if not employed as a law enforcement officer within 2 years after issuance of the law enforcement intern certificate, must then meet the requirements of the Illinois Police Training Act upon employment. A graduate law enforcement intern who is not employed within one year, but is hired within 2 years after completing the course, must successfully complete a transition course approved by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training Standards Board and again successfully complete the law enforcement State certification exam in order to obtain the Board’s certificate reserved for law enforcement officers. The transition course shall consist of a minimum of 80 hours and shall be conducted at a Board certified academy.
Job Placement
Intern graduates can begin their employment search once they have successfully passed the State Certification Examination. They can apply to the law enforcement agency of their choice. While there is no guarantee of placement, many agencies hire Intern Graduates.
Financial Aspects
Salary Expectations
The Economic Research Institute reported the average starting salary for a police officer was $18,500. The average salary in the career field is $29,500. The average for experienced officers is $43,500.
Qualities of an Ideal Candidate
The men and women who are admitted into police training have been carefully selected to function in the important role of law enforcement officers. This is a trusted position that requires exemplary behavior on the part of those chosen to protect and serve the citizens of their community.
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