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Internships

Student Intern Program

The Student Intern Program is twofold and provides unpaid academic study-related work assignments that allows students to explore career options in:

  • Law Enforcement Deputy & Detention Deputy, and
  • Professional Support positions

Observing in either the Department of Patrol Services, Department of Detention Services or professional support positions can prepare students for a career with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.

Slots are limited per semester; the deadline to submit an application for the spring semester is November 30th, summer semester is March 30th, and fall semester is June 30th. Prior to the start of the internship, an in-person orientation session will be held to discuss assignment locations and policy & procedures.

Internship Opportunities

  • Patrol/Detention: There are three components of the patrol/detention internship include participating in ride-alongs with a Law Enforcement Deputy, observing a Detention Deputy manage an inmate pod, and observing Dispatchers and Emergency Call Takers receiving calls in real-time.
  • Professional Support: Areas such as Accounting, Finance, and Information Services allows students the opportunity to gain exposure in the different areas within the respective divisions/sections.

Requirements and Qualifications

  • Be enrolled in a college or university and within 6-12 months of graduating to be considerd for the internship program.
  • The internship must be a requirement for a student's major; this applies to students seeking their associates or bachelors degrees. Students in a masters program are ineligible to apply.
  • Obtain an agreement from the college or university to participate.
  • Maintain a satisfactory academic record of 2.5 or better cumulative grade point average.

Background Investigation

Students may be accepted to the internship program, contingent upon a satisfactory completion of the background investigation.

Work Schedule

Students are expected to intern for the required number of clock hours as dictated by the college or university.

How to Apply

Applicants interested in the internship program are required to email and submit a brief statement of their interest which must include their expected date of graduation, major or field of study, and their desired semester. Upon receipt of your email, an Internship Coordinator will follow-up with your email request.

Application instructions will be sent directly from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office Internship Coordinator; if you've received instructions from any outside sources, that application will not be accepted. This includes your college/university advisors/coordinators.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
Recruitment and Screening Section

No, our internships are designated for those who are 6-12 months from graduation. The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office offers the Explorer Post 238 program designed for youths ages 14 through 20 who are interested in a law enforcement or related career.

Yes, you can begin the application process during your internship. As long as you’re in your last semester (prior to graduation) and meet the minimum age requirement, you can apply online at www.joinhcso.com. The job listings will note the age requirements and position requirements for each position.

Yes, students interested in a career in law enforcement are required to intern in three areas: Patrol, Detention, and Communications. By interning in all three areas, students will gain knowledge and understanding on how they contribute to the strength of the agency.

No, students who are residents outside of the state of Florida can apply for the internship, as long as the student meets the required qualifications.

No, we do not offer internships to active military personnel. The internship program is offered to students who are currently enrolled in a college or university and earning credit hours.

The start and end dates of each internship semester is usually coordinated around the academic calendars of the local colleges and universities.

No, the internship program is for students who are required to take an internship, as required by their major. More so, the student will be receiving credit hours that will be applied to their degree program.

You can note the international driver's license on the application but you will need to have a valid government issued identification card (state ID or drivers license) once the internship begins.

No, shadowing a particular area or section of the agency is not permitted. Outside of the internship program, citizens can schedule a ride-a-long with any of the five districts located throughout Hillsborough County.

The internship is based off of the number of credit hours that are required by your college/university. Students will intern for the duration of a twelve hour shift.