Community Relations Intern (University Police Dept., Pack Intern, Spring 2026)
**This internship is hosted by UNR Police Department- Northern Command and sponsored by the Nevada Career Studio and ASUN.
Students are highly encouraged to visit the Nevada Career Studio in-person Fridays from 12:00 to 4:00 or use our Virtual Resume + Cover Letter Tune Up service BEFORE applying for these positions. Students are welcome to by any time during our drop-in hours, but we’ll have dedicated staff on Fridays! Resumes and cover letters that do not meet NCS expectations will not be included in applicant packages to employers.
UNR Police Department- Northern Command
About UNR Police Department- Northern Command
The University Police Department – Northern Command (UPDNC) at the University of Nevada, Reno is a fully certified state law enforcement agency that provides safety and security services to multiple Northern Nevada campuses within the Nevada System of Higher Education, including UNR, TMCC, WNC, DRI, and GBC. The department is staffed by sworn police officers, community service officers, and administrative personnel who emphasize proactive community engagement, trust, and protection. With full police authority and interagency agreements extending their jurisdiction beyond campus boundaries, fingerprinting, ride-alongs, self-defense programs, victim advocacy, and transparent crime reporting, all aimed at ensuring a safe and supportive campus environment.
Internship Description:
We are seeking a Police Community Relations Intern to assist our University Police Department in fostering positive relationships with our campus community and in developing and implementing community-oriented policing engagement opportunities and programs. This is an excellent opportunity for students interested in a career in law enforcement or community relations to gain hands-on experience in a professional environment.
Duties/Responsibilities:
- Assist in organizing and coordinating community outreach events and programs -Attend meetings and events to represent the University Police Department
- Engage with the campus community to identify and address concerns or issues -Assist in maintaining the department's social media presence
- Conduct research on community policing initiatives and present findings to department staff
- Assist in preparing reports and presentations for department staff and university administrators
Goals and Expectations of the Intern:
- Complete 120 hours of work as an intern (8-15 hours per week, 15 weeks total)
- Event Coordination and Organization
- Successfully assist in the planning, organizing, and execution of at least three community outreach events or programs that foster positive relationships between the University Police Department and the campus community
- Representation and Engagement
- Attend and actively participate in a minimum of five meetings or events, effectively representing the University Police Department and gathering feedback from the campus community
- Community Engagement and Feedback
- Engage with students, faculty, and staff to identify key concerns or issues, compiling and presenting at least two reports on findings to department staff
- Social Media Management
- Contribute to maintaining and enhancing the department's social media presence by creating content for at least five posts that increase community awareness and engagement
- Research and Analysis
- Conduct thorough research on best practices in community policing, presenting at least one comprehensive report with actionable recommendations to department staff
- Reporting and Presentation Skills
- Assist in preparing at least three reports or presentations for department staff or university administrators, ensuring clarity and professionalism in all materials
Required Qualifications:
- Must be a degree-seeking undergraduate student at the University of Nevada, Reno during the Spring ‘26 semester
- Students who’ve graduated Spring 2025 or earlier are not eligible for this position
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills
- Knowledge of community-oriented policing principles and practices
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Strong organizational and time management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, graphic design, and social media platforms
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information
Preferred Qualifications:
- Majoring in criminal justice, sociology, or a related field
- Experience with event planning and coordination
- Familiarity with law enforcement procedures and practices
- Experience with social media management and marketing
Desired Schedule for Intern:
Applicants are expected to work during our normal office hours, Mon-Fri 7:30am-4:30pm. Some nights and weekends may be required for events.
PIGP internships require interns to complete 120 hours during their internship. It is the intern’s responsibility to ensure this requirement is met.