Crime Lab Internships

 

 

The WSCL internship program offers students the ability to apply classroom theory, gain practical forensic experience in a variety of disciplines, and increase their post-graduate marketability.  Internships are only offered when a specific project has been identified that furthers the mission of the WSCL. Due to the limited number of projects and available mentors, the WSCL is only able to offer a limited number of unpaid internships.  Additionally, at this time, due to the limited availability, the WSCL is only willing to support internships that are part of the university's practicum experience.

 

Eligibility

 

Interns must meet the following criteria:

 

  • Upper Level Student (junior and senior) status at an accredited institution of higher education.
  • Must be enrolled during the semester student plans to intern and able to receive college credit for the internship.
  • Must have the appropriate degree requirements and unit specific requirements for the discipline.  

 

Desired Qualities and Skills

 

Honesty           Good listener         Confident          Team Oriented               Observational Skills          Communication Skills

 

Integrity            Analytical               Reliable             Organization Skills         Tolerant to Stress             Decision Making Skills

 

Application/Interview

 

The WSCL internship program offers opportunities throughout the year, depending on staffing and other resources.  To ensure consideration all applications should be submitted by the following deadlines.  Applications received after the deadlines will only be considered if time allows and a project has not been filled.

 

  • Summer Internship: February 1
  • Fall Internship: June 1
  • Spring Internship: October 1

The written internship application shall include the following information:

 

  • Institution attending and major
  • Semester you wish to intern and availability
  • Desired discipline and location
  • Letter of interest
  • Curriculum vitae

The application materials will not be returned.

 

All applications can be mailed, emailed, or faxed to:

 

Katie Kohl, WSCL Internship Program Coordinator

Wisconsin State Crime Laboratory Bureau

4626 University Ave, Madison, WI 53705

 

kohlca@doj.state.wi.us

Fax: 608-267-1303

 

Approximately one month after the application deadline, applicants will be scheduled for an interview with the desired discipline.  Due to the high volume of applicants, not all applicants will be interviewed for a position.

 

Additional Internship Guidelines

 

The WSCL seeks to select candidates whose conduct and character will reflect positively on the laboratory.  For this reason the hiring process addresses the integrity, ethical conduct, honesty, prejudices, financial responsibility, and past behavior in a comprehensive background investigation.  If selected, interns will be required to sign a confidentiality agreement prior to their start date. 

 

Selected interns will report to the supervisor of the selected discipline as well as the Technical Unit Leader.  Throughout the internship, the intern will be exposed to as many processes as possible.  Periodically, the mentor shall review performance and provide feedback to the intern and if applicable will provide a written evaluation.  Finally, the internship committee may ask for additional feedback from the participants to try to improve the program.

 

Internship Availability

  Controlled Substance Toxicology Trace Firearms/Tool Marks Latent Print Forensic Imaging Crime Scene Response AFIS Specialists DNA Analysis DNA Databank

Laboratory

Technician*

Robotic Research 

Madison

YES YES N/A

NO

MAYBE MAYBE NO NO YES YES YES YES
Milwaukee YES YES YES NO MAYBE MAYBE NO NO   N/A NO NO
Wausau YES N/A N/A NO MAYBE MAYBE NO NO N/A N/A NO NO

 

*NOTE: Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice majors who do not have an appropriate science background may only apply for an internship with the Forensic Program Technicians.  Additional internship opportunities for Forensic Investigation and Criminal Justice majors are available through the Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI).

 

Contact Information

 

For general questions about the internship program, please contact the WSCL Internship Program Coordinator Katie Kohl at kohlca@doj.state.wi.us