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Capstone Internship Program

* Realize Your Dreams! * Start Your Career Now!

The UNF Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice offers one of the largest and most extensive Criminal Justice internship placement programs in the United States. With active placement agreements involving over 60 organizations in both the governmental and non-profit sectors, UNF Criminal Justice students gain hands-on experience in organizations as diverse as the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals, Florida Department of Children and Families, Operation New Hope, Daniel Memorial Inc., the City of Jacksonville Mayor's Office, and many others. The CCJ Capstone Internship Program involves 6 credit hours undertaken by graduating seniors in the Pre-internship and Internship courses. During the Pre-internship course, students explore and research the missions, academic research, and specific opportunities relevant to their career area. During the Internship field placement, students intern at various criminal justice related organizations to gain real world experience and to share their experiences with their fellow classmates. In sum, in CCJ, we empower students to take the first steps of their career journey and to make informed decisions about their career choices.

"The hands on experience is the best part of the whole course, since you get to go beyond just reading about theories and concepts, and actually get to apply them in real world situations."-Meghan Hull, UNF Criminal Justice alumna.

The agency placement list below includes the names of our partner agencies and the tasks in which students are involved.

The Criminal Justice Internship is composed of Pre-internship Seminar (CCJ 4939) and Internship in Criminal Justice (CCJ 4940). Both of these courses are required for non-service majors; students must obtain permission from Professor Michael Kilbane or Professor John Dean, the Internship Coordinators, to register for the courses. The pre-internship is to be taken the semester immediately prior to interning.

Internship Frequently Asked Questions
Internship Agency Placement List

Internship Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to do an internship?

Yes. The Criminal Justice Internship is required for the Criminal Justice major. However, if you are working in a professional position at a criminal justice agency, you may be considered to be in-service so the respective course requirement may be waived. You must make an appointment with Professor Dean, the Internship Coordinator. Please plan to see Professor Dean early in the semester.
How do I register for the internship?

The Criminal Justice Pre-internship (CCJ 4939) and the Criminal Justice Internship (CCJ 4940) require permission in order to register. You must complete an application form and attach either a current degree evaluation or an unofficial copy of your transcript. Once this has been completed, you can meet with Professor Dean (Internship Coordinator) during designated times and dates specifically for these meetings. Be on the lookout for guideline details and meeting dates in your email and on Canvas from Dr. Eichelberger, the CCJ advisor. This information is critical; be sure to double check your spam folder. For permission to register for the internship (CCJ 4940), you must submit the student placement form and the acknowledgment form. These will be made available during the Pre-internship course on Canvas.
When should I intern?

You should intern during your last semester in school, if you have not chosen the F.I.T. (Federal Internship Program.) If you have a compelling reason to intern prior to your last semester, discuss it with the Internship Coordinators.
Can I register during advanced term registration?

You must complete an pre-internship application, attach a degree evaluation or unofficial transcript and meet with one of the Internship Coordinator prior to registration.
Are there any pre-requisites?

Yes. You must pass all of the core courses before you can intern in Criminal Justice.
So, can I take any core courses while I'm interning?

No. You must pass the core courses before you can intern unless you have chosen the F.I.T. program.
How do I obtain my placement?

You will research the agencies to learn what they do and then participate in an interview with an agency representative. You will determine which internship agency is the right fit for your career goals. This placement will be determined during your pre-internship class.
How do I know what agencies to research?

We have an extensive agency placement list. You will receive the opportunity to review the list with direct contact information during pre-internship. We also have an abbreviated version of the agency placement list online in the next tab. It lists the names of the agencies and some of the activities in which interns may participate.
Do I have to intern at an agency on the Agency Placement List?

No, professional relationships and agreements have been established with the listed agencies. However, if you have a compelling reason to intern at an agency that is not on the list, you may discuss it with the Internship Coordinator.
Are there any paid placements?

Rarely, agencies may have a stipend but most internships are unpaid.
How many hours do I have to complete in the internship/practicum?

Criminal Justice Internship = 140 hours (this will be contingent upon the agencies requirements.)
How many days per week do I have to intern?

It depends on the hours required per agency.
I work. Are there internship placements that have flexible hours?

Yes, many agencies that allow interns to work evenings and weekends.
Can I intern at the place where I work?

This situation is handled on an individual basis.
Do I have to be at my agency all day, or can I work at the agency a few hours everyday?

Most agencies will want you to be on site for a full shift, however long that happens to be; in doing so, your experience will be much more meaningful. However, shift duration needs to be discussed between the intern and the agency.
Can I work all week for 4-5 weeks and complete my internship quickly?

No. We have structured class meetings and discussions throughout the semester; therefore, you must attend the classes.
Can I intern in in a city other than Jacksonville?

Yes, but it takes a little more work and time to obtain the placement.
I have classes to take during the semester I will intern - what should I do?

Interns should attempt to schedule all classes for the same days of the week so they will be available to intern on non-class days.
Are there any other special considerations that I need to know?

Yes. If you are interested in completing a criminal justice internship with a federally sworn law enforcement agency, you must make an appointment during your junior year for consideration.
What kinds of issues are involved in a background screening?

Most criminal justice agencies involving children will require a record of your criminal history. It is a complete arrest record. If you have been arrested for anything at anytime, it will appear on your criminal history. If you had charges dropped or a record expunged, the arrest will still appear on your criminal history. It is to your benefit to obtain any official court documents to show the outcome of the arrest. If you have had serious felony arrests, sale and distribution of drugs arrests, domestic violence arrests, and repeated alcohol related arrests, you may be disqualified from some agencies, regardless of the outcome. Most agencies will also conduct a background check of your driving and financial history.

Internship Agency Placement List

Animal Care & Protective Services

Activities in which students participate:

tasks to be determined at time of internship

Animal Care & Protective Services website

Betty Griffin House

Activities in which students participate:

respond to domestic violence hot line calls
participate in intake and case management services for victims
conduct education programs for victims and perpetrators

Betty Griffin House

CES

Activities in which students participate:

tasks to be determined at time of internship

CES website

daniel, Memorial, Inc.

Delinquency Programs

Activities in which students participate:

supervise court ordered juvenile delinquents
monitor school performance, curfew, and any treatment-related sanctions
monitor youth in residential commitment program

Elementary School Programs

Activities in which students participate:

work in elementary schools
supervise "intensive intervention" (high risk) kids
assist clients in implementing personal goals

Community Based Care

Activities in which students participate:

work with foster care children
monitor foster care placements
monitor family progress for reunification

danielkids.org

Don't Miss A Beat, Inc

Activities in which students participate:

tasks to be determined at time of internship

Don't Miss A Beat, Inc website

Florida Department of Children & Families

Activities in which students participate:

investigate child abuse
make recommendations on whether or not to remove a child from a home
may work independently on follow-up

Florida Department of Children & Families website

Florida Department of Corrections

Activities in which students participate:

supervise adults on probation
verify employment; monitor for any drug use
contact person will assign students to an office based on geographic location

Florida Department of Corrections website

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice

Duval County

Activities in which students participate:

provide community control supervision to delinquent juveniles
monitor progress of delinquents in commitment programs
assist clients in implementing personal goals

Clay County

Activities in which students participate:

provide community control supervision to delinquent juveniles
monitor progress of delinquents in commitment programs
assist clients in implementing personal goals

St. John's County

Activities in which students participate:

provide community control supervision to delinquent juveniles
monitor progress of delinquents in commitment programs
assist clients in implementing personal goals

Florida Department of Juvenile Justice website

Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco

Activities in which students participate:

participate in investigating alcohol and tobacco cases
participate in background investigative research

Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages & Tobacco website

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Bureau of Marine Law Enforcement

Activities in which students participate:

enforce boating, fishing, and wildlife laws
investigate marine and freshwater crimes
monitor boater and inland wildlife compliance

Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Website

Florida Highway Patrol

Activities in which students participate:

tasks to be determined at time of internship

Florida Highway Patrol website

Girl Matters

Activities in which students participate:

tasks are determined at time of internship

Girl Matters website

Guardian Ad Litem

4th Judicial Circuit

Activities in which students participate:

serve as advocate for children in court
provide case management services for the family
work in dependency, juvenile, and/or criminal court

Guardian Ad Litem website

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton, P.A.

Activities in which students participate:

research and compile information
learn legal research

Hardesty Tyde Green & Ashton, P.A. website

Homeland Security Investigations

The HSI internship is fluid in nature and duties/responsibilities change on a daily basis. Typically, an intern will shadow an agent during the course of their investigation during an activity deemed of interest. This may include, but not be limited to, conducting surveillance, serving search/arrest warrants, attending court hearings, conducting interviews, and serving subpoenas.

1-2 internship positions per semester (Fall, Spring and Summer).
Send an email indicating your interest and what semester you are interested in completing your internship.
Attach a copy of your resume and unofficial transcripts in the email.
Due to completing a required background check, apply as early as possible during the UNF pre-internship class.
We will schedule all the interviews within a 2-week period and make selections shortly thereafter.
Please email the requested information to: Special Agent Mike Johnson at Mike.P.Johnson@ice.dhs.gov, Special Agent Gary Chwast at Gary.M.Chwast@ice.dhs.gov, and Special Agent Nathan Smith @ Nathan.W.Smith@ice.dhs.gov .

Hubbard House

Activities in which students participate:

respond to domestic violence hot line calls
participate in intake and case management services for victims
conduct education programs for victims and perpetrators

Hubbard House website

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid, Inc

Activities in which students participate:

agency will inform student at time of interview

Jacksonville Area Legal Aid website

Jacksonville Beach Police Department

Activities in which students participate:

rotate through all divisions

Jacksonville Beach Police Department website

Jacksonville Children's Commission

Division of Training Programs

Activities in which students participate:

perform developmental screenings on pre-school children
make referrals for developmental delayed children
monitor child's progress
research and evaluation
evaluate after school programs outcomes and enhanced school based mental health programs
conduct literature reviews, collect data, and evaluate outcomes

Jacksonville Children's Commission website

AMI (Marine Institutes)

Activities in which students participate:

supervise male and female juvenile delinquents in an alternative school setting
participate in marine biology projects, including diving and fishing teams
assist clients in implementing personal goals

AMI kids website

Jacksonville Re-Entry Center (JREC)

Activities in which the students participate:

tasks are determined at time of internship

Jacksonville Re-Entry Center website

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office

Sworn Law Enforcement

Activities in which students participate:

rotate through all divisions: patrol, detectives, corrections, community affairs, communications
shadow with evidence technicians, air unit, and/or marine unit

Planning

Activities in which students participate:

must be skilled computer user
research criminal activity
create summary findings

Jacksonville Sheriff's Office website

Jacksonville Youth Center

Activities in which students participate:

provide case management of juveniles with extensive criminal histories
monitor juvenile's progress
assist juveniles in implementing personal goals

Jacksonville Youth Center website

Jacksonville Youth Sanctuary

Activities in which students participate:

residential program for foster care/delinquency adolescent boys
assist to develop life skills, social manners, employability skills, recreation activities; etc.
assist clients in implementing personal goals

Jacksonville Youth Sanctuary website

MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation

Activities in which students participate:

work with at-risk youth in partnership with other youth agencies
conduct group activities in youth leadership and team work
can participate in the tennis education program, if interested

MaliVai Washington Kids Foundation website

Medical Examiner's Office

Duval County

Activities in which students participate:

examine forensic evidence at death scenes
participate in autopsies
conduct funeral home inspections

Medical Examiner's Office website

St. Johns County

Activities in which students participate:

tasks are determined at time of internship

Medical Examiner's Office - St. Johns website

Micah's Place

Activities in which students participate:

assist clients in implementing personal goals
participate in filing injunctions for protection in court
conduct educational and outreach programs

Micah's Place website

Mulholland Investigation and Security Consulting

Activities in which students participate:

participate in insurance fraud, worker's compensation, investigations, loss prevention and ect.
do background checks and verification
must be seriously considering private investigations as a career

Mulholland Investigation and Security Consulting website

Naval Criminal Investigative Service

NAS Jacksonville and Mayport

Activities in which students participate:

investigate criminal activities on Naval bases or cases involving U.S. Navy personnel
participate in surveillance
participate in force protection activities

Naval Criminal Investigative Service website

PACE Center for Girls

Activities in which students participate:

assist teachers in working with at-risk juvenile girls
participate in case management
tutor and conduct individual reading sessions

PACE Center for Girls website

Phillips & Hunt

Activities in which students participate:

research
current social issues
serve the underserved

www.floridajustice.com send CV to criminal@floridajustice.com

Public Defender's Office

Duval County/ Clay County/ Nassau County

Activities in which students participate:

participate in defense investigations
interview defendants
participate in site investigations

Public Defender's Office website

Quigley House

Activities in which students participate:

respond to domestic violence hot line calls
assist clients in implementing personal goals
conduct education and outreach programs

Quigley House website

St. Johns County Sheriff's Office

Activities in which students participate:

participate in a three hour orientation
rotate through all divisions

St. Johns County Sheriff's Office website

State Attorney's Office Domestic Violence Advocacy

Activities in which students participate:

provide victim advocacy in child abuse and domestic violence cases
participate in investigations
attend court with victims

State Attorney's Office website

Target Store Assets Protection

Activities in which students participate:

learn aspects of store operation during the initial 5 weeks
40 intern hours per week for 10 weeks
investigations of internal and external theft
ensure the safety of customers and store employees

Target Store #669 website

Tassone, Dreicer, & Hill

Activities in which students participate:

Updating case files, pleading indexes, and filing documents
Scheduling court hearings on the master calendar and informing clients about upcoming hearings
Answering phones, transferring to correct attorneys, and making outgoing calls
Handling all intakes for family law and criminal law
Replenishing new client packets, expungement/sealing packets, and all other template updates needed
Traveling to the State Attorney's Office, Courthouse, or other law offices retrieving records and discovery
Assisting with trial prep, discovery notebooks, and indexes pertaining to trials/depos/mediations, etc.
Opportunities to sit in on trials, hearings, intakes, and meetings for and with clients
All other job duties asked by the Attorneys or staff of Tassone, Dreicer & Hill Law Firm

Requirements:

Must be able to work approximately 10 hours or more per week
Must be 18 years or older
Must be willing to sign a Non-Disclosure Agreement
Have to provide a cover letter, resume, and a school/work schedule if applicable to:
chris@tassonelaw.com or mail to 1833 Atlantic Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32207 ATTN: Chris Fillion
In the schedules provided, please specify days, times, and hours you would be interested in interning
Looking for a responsible, RELIABLE, hard-working intern who is eager to learn more about family and criminal law