Student Intern Program

The Waterville Police Department Student Intern Program is offered to Thomas College Student Criminal Justice Majors. It was created with the goal of having a junior or senior college student achieve several specified objectives. By the end of the internship program, the student 1.) should be able to function and add value to a community-based police department, 2.) exhibit personal growth and an increase of knowledge for operating procedures, Maine laws, standards of performance, and personal conduct and 3.) display an ability to apply acquired academic knowledge in an effective, meaningful way that garners desired results.

During the program the student intern will spend time with the Chief, the Deputy Chief, sergeants, detectives, patrol officers, dispatch, and administration to gain a strong understanding for each aspect of the police department. This Student Intern Program provides hands on experience and allows a student to apply the knowledge he/she has gained throughout his/her college experience.

Detective C. Paradis & Intern Natalie Childs reviewing fingerprint evidence

Officer J. Weaver & Intern Natalie Childs at a Shoppers' Cop Booth

"The time I’ve spent here at the Waterville Police Department has been extremely meaningful and exciting. I will be with the police department January through Mid-May 2010 and have already learned so much in a very short period of time. Chief Massey gets me involved in every aspect of the police department. Not only am I learning a great deal every day, but I also get to apply what I have already studied throughout my last three years of college. This internship has been a great way to learn more about how a community-based police department functions, and I also get to meet a lot of great people.” – Natalie Childs, Thomas College Student Intern, February 2010