Ride-alongs at MSP
Jordan
Experience Information
Employer: Michigan State Police
Job Title: Observed troopers daily duties and tasks.
Major: Criminal Justice
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: No
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
The Michigan State Police Department- Grand Rapids Post is a pretty large and easy to navigate building. There are about 300 Troopers that patrol over three counties; Kent, Muskegon, and Ottawa. In the building, there is one main hallway and you follow and many conference rooms, squad rooms, offices, and training rooms along that hallway.
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
This internship was more of an observational one. I didn't really complete any tasks or projects but I witnessed them being completed. During the ride-alongs, we made traffic stops, helped with crashes, tagged abandoned vehicles, made arrests, transported prisoners to jails, and attended to wellbeing checks, suicide calls, and domestic violence/disturbance calls.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned how much paperwork goes into being a trooper. They must document what they are doing every 15-30 minutes and do paperwork on every person they come into contact with. I also learned the process of booking someone into a jail.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of the internship was I got to meet so many different people, civilians and officers. It was really cool to meet some of the people we would help or arrest, but I really enjoyed meeting all the people who work at MSP. They are all such nice people and are great at their jobs. Making connections is the most important part of any internship so being able to get my name and face and work ethic out there is so amazing.
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
It has showed me that I don't think I am cut out to be a police officer. I have the utmost respect for what they do and their work is challenging. I know now that I want to work in a forensics lab after touring and shadowing the forensics lab next door to the post.
Internship Format
In Person