Unpaid Intern – Intelligence Unit

Objective of this role:

The Intelligence Unit Intern will support the NJ TRANSIT Police Department’s Intelligence Unit by assisting with a wide range of intelligence, analytical, and investigative support functions. This internship provides hands-on exposure to law enforcement intelligence operations, information gathering, and the development of actionable intelligence products that support public safety and NJ TRANSIT’s mission.

The intern will be responsible for:

Reviewing various sources of information to assess their relevance to the NJ TRANSIT PD/Intelligence Unit’s mission
Assisting Intelligence Unit staff with video surveillance preservation requests and other data collection needs
Gathering and organizing information to support Chief of Police intelligence requirements
Supporting the creation and production of intelligence products, including:
Strategic intelligence reports
Field Intelligence Reports (FIRs)
BOLOs (Be on the Lookout notices)
Compstat presentations
Subject detail reviews
Indices checks, when applicable
Conducting open-source and social media research related to events that may impact NJ TRANSIT operations or individuals involved in criminal investigations
Participating in situational awareness activities, including off-site experiences with Police Officers to observe Intelligence Unit responsibilities in real-world contexts
This internship offers valuable exposure to public safety intelligence operations and provides meaningful experience supporting critical law enforcement functions within NJ TRANSIT.

Skills and Qualifications:

· Majors in Criminal Justice, Criminology, Homeland Security/Foreign Affairs, Political Science, or Statistics are preferred

· Applicable coursework relevant to the subject matter of the NJ TRANSIT Police Department and Intelligence Unit is strongly desired

· Prior work experience in any field is requested, but not required

· Prior law enforcement, homeland security, or governmental internship experience is a plus

· Computer literacy is a must, including proficiency with Microsoft Office products (Word, Excel, Access, Outlook, Teams) and familiarity with general social media and open-source research tools

· Must demonstrate awareness of the sensitive and confidential nature of law enforcement matters

Work Environment:

· Primary work location is on-site in the Intelligence Unit office at NJ TRANSIT Police Department Headquarters in Newark, NJ

· Approximate Hours Per Week: Students can work up to 29 hours per week (20 hours for international students) January to May.

Eligibility for Academic Credit:

While this internship is unpaid, interns may be eligible to receive academic credit in accordance with their educational institution's policies. Prospective interns are encouraged to consult with their academic advisor or internship coordinator to ascertain the specific requirements and procedures for obtaining academic credit for this internship experience. NJ TRANSIT is committed to supporting interns in this process and will provide the necessary documentation and evaluations to facilitate the accreditation of this internship.