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Internships

The Madison Police Department provides opportunities for internships during the summer and fall. We ask that students (either in high school or college) submit an application for our internship program.

Applications must be submitted by February 15 for the upcoming summer and August 31 for the fall. If you are interested in applying for an internship, please complete the application and send a completed Authorization for Release of Information form to our Academy Training Sergeant Theresa Magyera at tmagyera@cityofmadison.com.

As part of the application, please complete the following essay questions:

  • What do you hope to learn from an internship with MPD?
  • How can you contribute to MPD based on your own experiences, skills and abilities?

The Process

After the first of the year, we determine how many interns we will be able to accept during the summer. Typically, we have 40-60 students competing for an average of 20 unpaid internship positions. This is a competitive internship process.

  1. The Academy Sergeant will review your application.
    2. Application Form (Word) | Application Form
  2. Background check will be completed on selected applicants.
  3. Selected applicants will be interviewed in March.
  4. Internship offers will be extended the end of March/April.

The majority of our internships take place from late May through August.

What Will My Internship Look Like Within the Department

The work assignments and hours will vary depending on your placement. We try to match students' interests and skill sets with what each supervisor is seeking. Interns have been previously placed with any of the following areas of our Department: District Captains, Community Police Teams (CPTs), Forensic Services, Neighborhood Officers, Mounted Patrol, K9 Unit, Traffic Enforcement Safety Team (TEST), Drug Task Force, Crime Prevention, Gang Unit, Special Investigations Unit, as well as other officers and units. Interns are also typically afforded the opportunity to spend time in units and with officers outside of their placement. This includes participating in ride-alongs.

Why Intern with the Madison Police Department

Our internships have proven to be very valuable to those who have a desire to become a police officer with our Department in the future. We have hired many former interns who are now Guardians who protect and serve the community members of Madison as sworn officers.

We appreciate your interest in our Department and wish you luck!

Internship Application (Word)

Internship Application

Authorization for Release of Information Form

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Testimonials

Cratic Williams, Tyrone
As an intern, I shadowed officers in various positions within the department. My experiences provided me with insight on how I can be a great police officer while also making my own unique impact in the community I serve.
- Officer Tyrone Cratic Williams
Henderson, Kristin
My time spent as an intern with the Madison Police Department was an ideal transition from an educational setting to an eventual career with MPD. The experience was truly rewarding.
- Detective Kristin Henderson
Graziano, Jack
As an intern I was offered an intense and thorough look at what transpires behind MPD district windows. I was exposed to almost every function of MPD which satisfied my curiosity. Most rewarding, however, was my supervisor's recognition of my talents and utilization of my skills; I felt valued even though I was temporary. My academic interests in policing became a desire to become a Police Officer.
- Officer Jack Graziano
Heiner, Priya
My internship with MPD provided me with further insight as to what transpires behind closed doors. I was given the opportunity to shadow officers, sergeants, and investigators throughout my time as an intern. Seeing the different roles everyone played and watching them work as a team to solve a crime inspired me to join the team.
- Officer Priya Heinen
Eanes, Hailey
Growing up in a small town, I knew I wanted to work in a bigger, more diverse community. Having the opportunity to intern with the Madison Police Department gave me the experience of working and living in a much bigger city. I was able to get a glimpse at just about every avenue of this job and it really confirmed my desire to work for a department like Madison.
- Officer Hailey Eanes