You are interning with a local law enforcement agency, write an essay addressing the following issues:
- What is the jurisdiction of the department?
- How big is the department?
- How big is the jurisdiction?
- How does the department deal with neighboring jurisdictions? For example, small communities within a larger city may have their own police force. What issues does that create and how are they resolved?
- What are the different divisions?
- Who is the chief of the department?
- Describe the chain of command from a front line officer to the chief. Include the names of individuals as appropriate.
- How are the shifts organized for divisions that operate on a 24-hour cycle?
- What are some of the most common offenses the department deals with? What are the likely ways those cases are resolved?
- How are entry level officers recruited and trained?
- What are the usual and routine duties of entry level officers (or other employees you interact with on a regular basis)?
- On what basis are entry level officers evaluated and promoted?
- Are there any special or unique challenges the department faces? How is the department responding to these challenges?
- Are there any special projects or initiatives being implemented by the department? What are they and what are their goals?