‘IThis is a guest blog by Aleah Wieland, a student at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College (SMWC). She recently completed an internship with the Criminal Investigations Division of the Terre Haute Police Department.
In the spring of 2014, while attending Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College, I had the opportunity to intern for the Terre Haute Police Department. I specifically interned with the Criminal Investigations Division (CID). I learned what detectives do on a daily basis, and I was given the opportunity to not just observe, but participate in a variety of day-to-day tasks.
The detectives of the Terre Haute Police Department CID are given many cases and tasks to keep them busy throughout the day. Each day, the detectives are assigned a case. These cases are assigned according to crime allegedly committed and the specialization of the detective (property crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crime, etc.). The steps necessary to either suspend or close the case is dependent upon the offense and the preference of the detective. After completing the steps necessary to either suspend or close the case, the detective will complete a case file to be turned into the prosecutor and the defense, pending the case goes to trial or a plea.
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“I was given the opportunity to not just observe,
but participate in a variety of day-to-day tasks.”
–Aleah Wieland
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The opportunity to intern with CID at the Terre Haute Police Department allowed me to accomplish meaningful work, apply my academic learning to real-life experiences and grow as a person, both professionally and personally. Interacting with other professionals gave me insight into how to speak, act and dress professionally. I was also able to build self-confidence and improve my interpersonal skills. The detectives I worked with were very respondent and went out of their way to make sure I was learning and having fun. I was able to supplement and put to use my classroom learning. I also had the opportunity to make new friends, connections, expand my network and confirm my career interests – all while having fun.
Serving as an intern has been very beneficial not only professionally, but personally as well. I would recommend to anyone interested in the criminal justice career path to consider interning with the Terre Haute Police Department.
