The WSU Police Intern Program is an opportunity for students to gain knowledge and experience in law enforcement.

The police intern program is a collaborative effort between local law enforcement officials and WSU’s Criminal Justice program, Intern Lt. Eric Larson said.

The program is designed to include interns in as many realistic police situations as possible, like crowd control, crime scene security and directing traffic during events, said Larson, a senior criminal justice and political science major.

Other activities the interns can learn is how to administer field sobriety tests, use stun guns and mace, work with K-9 units and accompany police officers on patrol, he said.

During the ride-along experience, interns can observe officers working on the job, which helps teach them valuable knowledge about the field, Larson said.

The ride-alongs are sponsored by the Pullman Police Department, WSU Police Department, Whitman County Sheriff’s Office, and the Washington State Patrol.

Intern Capt. Erin Westfall, a senior criminal justice major, said the officers are very open to help the interns and are always willing to teach. The officers are happy to have the interns’ help, especially with traffic direction during big events. Without the interns, there would not be enough law enforcement to keep the crowds and traffic safe, she said.

“This internship opportunity has shown me that real police work is not like the movies,” said intern Luke Korthuis, a junior criminal justice major. “It’s not always filled with action, but the experience has also shown me that giving back to the community by keeping others safe is well worth the effort.” Korthuis said he first joined the program last spring to see if he wanted law enforcement to be his career. The internship has given many benefits to the future by improving skills, understanding and commitment to a law enforcement career, he said.

The intern program is volunteer-based and each intern is required to put in at least 11 hours in duties per month, including eight ride-along hours, Larson said. Other duties, such as foot and bike patrol, are designed for the interns to do on their own time.

“The program is helpful because I am able to fit all of my internship, school work and extracurricular activities into my week because the program allows me to plan my duties around my schedule,” Korthuis said.

The program is open to any major and is beneficial even with non-police skills, like how to succeed in interviews, Larson said.

“In today’s economy, having past experience in an internship, such as the police intern program, will help anyone stand out and will show that the student has skills such as the ability to listen to authority, communication skills and dedication,” he said.

Westfall said being in the internship has helped expose her learn to deal with difficult situations and questions that police officers are faced with every day.

“I will be graduating in December, so I have applied to the Portland Police Bureau,” she said. “I feel the program has helped push and train me in ways that many of the other applicants have not yet experienced, so I feel more prepared and ready to start my career.” Applications for the Police Intern Program are due at 5 p.m. Friday in the Public Safety Building. Applicants must be a WSU student with a 2.5 GPA or higher to be eligible.