SERVICE
Apply for an internship with DPA's Law and Justice Reform Internship Program
The Department of Police Accountability has opportunities for students interested in public service. Applications are open.
What to know
Internship Benefits Include:
- Flexibility to accommodate student’s academic schedules;
- We will work closely with students seeking independent funding or academic credit through their school, if such is available;
- Individual training and guidance from one or more of DPA staff attorneys;
- Possible future job opportunities;
- Interns are required to work a minimum of 15-20 hours per week, with at least 8 of those hours in person. The in-person hours can be scheduled flexibly to accommodate their school schedule.
What to Expect:
- Reviewing and analyzing body-worn camera footage;
- Researching local, state, and federal laws to inform policy proposals;
- Developing department-wide policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws;
- Aiding DPA attorneys in all stages of trial preparation (including sentencing and appeals).
The Law and Justice Reform Internship is unpaid; however, interns can receive class credit.
What to do
Internships at the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) give students the opportunity to learn about:
- Police policies and practices;
- Criminal or constitutional law;
- Public safety, employment, and administrative law;
- How local government works;
- Relationships between policy, law, and community engagement.
We have internship opportunities for:
- College students
- Graduate students
- Law students
How To Apply:
- Submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter to dpa.recruitment@sfgov.org by the deadline.
- Cover letter should explain how you think this internship will positively impact your journey, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Please have specific points based on your experience and interests.
- Fill out this application: DPA Internship and Fellowship Program Application Form
Application Timeline (Spring 2025 & Summer 2025):
- Spring Internship: January 20-May 9
- Deadline to Apply: November 18th
- Summer Internship: June 2- August 8th
- Deadline to Apply: January 15th
Supporting information
Qualifications
We look for interns with:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to think critically and solve problems
- A passion for local government, justice issues, race disparities, and policy
Highlights according to previous interns
“Gaining valuable experience working w/ career prosecutors and attorneys”
Haesl Jackson
“Researching policy for best law enforcement practices”
Veronica Gray
“Conducting Policy research related to the transparency of Police Departments that I was not aware of until now”
Athena Edwards
“Researching trends in police reform proposals and implementation”
Oliver Smith
Get help
Address
1 South Van Ness Ave, 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103
Partner agencies
What to know
Internship Benefits Include:
- Flexibility to accommodate student’s academic schedules;
- We will work closely with students seeking independent funding or academic credit through their school, if such is available;
- Individual training and guidance from one or more of DPA staff attorneys;
- Possible future job opportunities;
- Interns are required to work a minimum of 15-20 hours per week, with at least 8 of those hours in person. The in-person hours can be scheduled flexibly to accommodate their school schedule.
What to Expect:
- Reviewing and analyzing body-worn camera footage;
- Researching local, state, and federal laws to inform policy proposals;
- Developing department-wide policies to ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws;
- Aiding DPA attorneys in all stages of trial preparation (including sentencing and appeals).
The Law and Justice Reform Internship is unpaid; however, interns can receive class credit.
What to do
Internships at the Department of Police Accountability (DPA) give students the opportunity to learn about:
- Police policies and practices;
- Criminal or constitutional law;
- Public safety, employment, and administrative law;
- How local government works;
- Relationships between policy, law, and community engagement.
We have internship opportunities for:
- College students
- Graduate students
- Law students
How To Apply:
- Submit a Resume/CV and Cover Letter to dpa.recruitment@sfgov.org by the deadline.
- Cover letter should explain how you think this internship will positively impact your journey, and what you hope to gain from the experience. Please have specific points based on your experience and interests.
- Fill out this application: DPA Internship and Fellowship Program Application Form
Application Timeline (Spring 2025 & Summer 2025):
- Spring Internship: January 20-May 9
- Deadline to Apply: November 18th
- Summer Internship: June 2- August 8th
- Deadline to Apply: January 15th
Supporting information
Qualifications
We look for interns with:
- Strong verbal and written communication skills
- The ability to think critically and solve problems
- A passion for local government, justice issues, race disparities, and policy
Highlights according to previous interns
“Gaining valuable experience working w/ career prosecutors and attorneys”
Haesl Jackson
“Researching policy for best law enforcement practices”
Veronica Gray
“Conducting Policy research related to the transparency of Police Departments that I was not aware of until now”
Athena Edwards
“Researching trends in police reform proposals and implementation”
Oliver Smith
Get help
Address
1 South Van Ness Ave, 8th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103