Internship & S.T.O.P Programs
The MiraCosta College Police Department offers internship and S.T.O.P. programs for individuals engaged in undergraduate-level studies. Interns and volunteers will be assigned projects that foster an understanding of public administration and law enforcement.
The MiraCosta Police Department's internship and S.T.O.P. programs are designed to give students an inside look at the College’s Police Department. The goal of these programs is to help students develop skills, gain hands-on experience, make professional connections, strengthen their resumes, enhance their educational goals, and accomplish specific learning objectives.
The internship and S.T.O.P. programs can be offered as paid or unpaid positions for current students and may also provide credit for their courses or programs. Interested candidates must submit an internship or volunteer application, along with a letter of interest, a resume, and unofficial college transcripts.
Benefits of participating in an internship program
- Build skills and engage in work experience that is relative to career aspirations and interests
- Earn college or coursework credit
- Strengthen resume
- Cultivate civic engagement and participation
- Begin to develop a professional network and overall professional growth
General Duties
Internship Program
Under supervision, the student intern will assist the MiraCosta College Police Department by performing a variety of duties to support office and patrol staff. Areas of assignment may include working at the MCPD front desk, providing customer service and data entry assistance, assisting in the field with both sworn police officers and non-sworn police services officers, and participating in dispatch sit-alongs. Interns will also assist with campus events organized by MCPD as well as events in which MCPD has been asked to participate. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.
Students together on patrol (S.T.O.P.) program
The MiraCosta College S.T.O.P. (Students Together on Patrol) program aims to enhance the sense of safety for students and the campus community. It fosters a partnership between the MiraCosta College Police Department and the campus community to address nighttime safety concerns. Volunteers in the program provide a visible safety presence, report unsafe or suspicious activities to the police, and offer safety escort services. They are expected to maintain high ethical, academic, and disciplinary standards. While volunteers do not enforce college policies, they receive training to report concerns and are instructed to avoid involvement in dangerous situations. Volunteers can contact the police department via radio, call box, or campus phone extension 6911.
Application Process
Applicants for the internships and S.T.O.P. program are required to complete an application. These applications are reviewed by College Police on an as-needed basis. Applying does not guarantee placement.
Applicants must be currently enrolled at MiraCosta College. Coursework in Administration of Justice, Sociology, Business Administration, Political Science, or Social Work and Human Services is preferred but not required. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units during the current semester. Those selected for the position without Federal Work Study funding will be required to enroll in ADM 292. Current enrollment status will be verified prior to hiring. Due to the limited number of positions available, priority will be given to students enrolled in the Administration of Justice program who have completed at least 6 units of Administration of Justice coursework.
- Must be enrolled for at least 6 college units with an overall GPA of at least 2.5.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- You have not been convicted of a felony or a serious misdemeanor.
- You are of good moral character.
- You can successfully pass a minimum background check, live-scan fingerprinting, and oral interview.
If you are interested in being considered for our internship or S.T.O.P. program, please complete an application. Please note, applying for an internship or the S.T.O. P. program is no guarantee of receiving an assignment.
General Questions and Answers
What are the minimum requirements needed to apply for an internship or S.T.O.P?
Interns & volunteers are required to be enrolled in an academic course in order to
apply.
What would the hours be?
To be determined by the department and the intern.
Are interns & volunteers paid?
MiraCosta Police does not offer paid internships. However, the intern can apply for
Federal Work Study in order to have their internship/volunteer hours paid. Please
be advised that wage funding sources such as Federal Work Study are a consideration
in determining the number of available paid positions.
Are internships and volunteer programs always available?
The Internship and S.T.O.P. programs are only available during the spring and fall
semester and depending on the current needs of the department.
For more information, please email Sergeant Sneary at jsneary@miracosta.edu
Have questions or want to schedule a ride-along? 760.795.6643
