Week 1-2: Patrolling the Cities of Linn County I started my internship with the Linn County Sheriff's office. We have five different divisions that I will be participating in. One of my favorite divisions is patrol. These first three weeks have been incredibly educational and rewarding. Each day brought new challenges and learning opportunities, reinforcing my passion to become a police officer. The hands-on experience and mentorship from the deputies have been invaluable in understanding the complexities and responsibilities of the job. 
During a routine traffic stop of an expired tag, I was able to experience writing my first ticket. The deputies allowing me hands-on experience provided me with practical knowledge, helped me build confidence, and helped me understand real-world scenarios that just can’t be taught in a textbook. I also got to experience other traffic stops such as speeding, road rage incidents, and illegal modifications on cars.
I’m excited to continue my internship for the Linn County Sheriff’s office because it’s a great opportunity to learn more about law enforcement, gain valuable experience, and make a positive impact in my community. Plus, every day brings new challenges and learning experiences that will help me grow and prepare for my future career as a police officer!
Interning at the correctional center provided me with a unique perspective on the criminal justice system and the rehabilitation process. It offers me a chance to understand the challenges faced by inmates, the role of correctional officers, and the importance of maintaining safety and security within the facility. This experience was invaluable in shaping my understanding of law enforcement and preparing me for a career in the field.
Working at Linn County Correctional Center involves maintaining a professional conduct, adhering to safety protocols, respecting confidentiality, following the dress code, treating inmates fairly, and keeping accurate records.
During my time at the jail, I was involved in tasks such as observing daily operations, assisting with inmate supervision, conducting security checks, participating in educational programs for inmates, and learning about the facilities policies and procedures. These experiences gave me a firsthand look at the inner workings of a correctional facility and provided me with valuable insights into the criminal justice system.
Interning at the jail was uncomfortable at times, but it offers me real-world experiences, helps me understand inmate behavior, teaches security protocols, builds essential skills, and provides networking opportunities which are all valuable for a future police officer.
Weeks 5-6: Serving the Community One Paper at a Time In Iowa, the Civil Division of the Linn County Sheriff’s Office is responsible for serving legal documents such as subpoenas, summons, and complaints. They also handle evictions, enforce court orders, and conduct property sales due to court judgements.
Enforcing court orders involves several key steps. First, the Sheriff’s Office receives the court order, such as writ of possession. Next, they modify the involved parties by serving legal documents. Coordination with other agencies or parties may be necessary; for example, in an eviction, they might work with movers or locksmiths.
Then, the Sheriff’s deputies execute the court order, ensuring that the tenant vacates the property if it’s an eviction case. Finally, they document the entire process and report back to the court, ensuring that the court’s decisions are implemented fairly and legally. As an intern with the Civil Division, I assisted with serving legal documents, helped process eviction notices, observe the enforcement of court orders, and aid in the organization of property sales. I also helped with administrative tasks. This experience gave me valuable insight into legal procedures and law enforcement operations.
Weeks 7-8: The Medical Side of a Patrol Deputy For Linn County, there is a division for a rescue unit. A Patrol Rescue Deputy plays a crucial role in ensuring public safety and providing emergency assistance.Their duties include patrolling assigned areas to deter and detect criminal activity, responding to emergencies such as accidents and natural disasters, and conducting search and rescue missions. They also enforce local, state, and federal laws, including traffic regulations, and to make arrests when necessary. Additionally, these deputies engage with the community to build relationships and provide education on safety and crime prevention. Their work involves detailed reporting and documentation of incidents, arrests, and activities, helping to maintain order and protect citizens.
I assisted Patrol Rescue in various ways. I accompanied deputies on patrols to observe and learn about their duties firsthand. Additionally, I helped with administrative tasks such as filing reports, organizing equipment, and assisting with community programs. I also observed the regular duties of patrolling assigned areas to maintain public safety and respond to various emergency calls like accidents or medical emergencies.
I also got to observe the enforcement of laws, such as traffic regulations and how deputies handle arrests. Additionally, I witnessed how deputies engage with the community and provide safety education. This experience gave me a comprehensive view of the daily duties and responsibilities of a Patrol Rescue Deputy.
My internship at the Linn County Sheriff’s Office has had a significant impact on my personal and professional plans. Professionally, it provides me with real-world experience in law enforcement, which can be invaluable for my future career as a police officer. The hands-on experience, skills development, and exposure to the workings of the criminal justice system can help me make informed decisions about my career path and enhance my qualifications.
Personally, this internship has shaped my values, work ethic, and sense of commitment to serving and protecting my community, aligning with my aspirations to work in law enforcement. It is a stepping stone towards achieving my goals and making a positive impact in my chosen field.
There are many different networking ideas I can engage in after my internship such as participating in community events, volunteering, and connecting with local law enforcement departments, which can help me build relationships and expand my professional network. After my internship, I am going to work on becoming a reserve officer for the Mount Vernon Police Department to get a foot in the door after college.
During the course of my internship, I did many readings to provide a foundational understanding of the roles, responsibilities, and challenges faced by law enforcement. This knowledge is preparing me to better understand the daily operations and procedures of law enforcement. It also helps me communicate more effectively with experienced officers and apply theoretical concepts to real-world situations,enhancing my overall learning experience and making me more confident for my future role.