The St. Mary’s County Sheriff’s Office, in cooperation with the St. Mary’s County Public Schools – Doctor James A. Forrest Technical Center Criminal Justice Program, has developed an internship program for second year Criminal Justice students.
Many of the vocational programs offered at the technical center include an ‘authentic education’ component. ‘Authentic education’ provides students with a hands-on learning experience in their field of interest. For example, students in the ‘Allied Health’ program participate in an internship program coordinated with St. Mary’s Hospital, ‘Hospitality and Tourism’ students partake in internships with local hotels, and ‘Dental Assisting Technology’ students take part in internships with local dentists.
On Jan. 26 the Criminal Justice students began interning two days per week with deputies, correctional officers and civilian staff at the Sheriff’s and State’s Attorney’s Offices. The intern program is designed to enhance the student’s total academic experience through a planned program of observation and participation.
For nine weeks, from 8:15 to 11:50 a.m., 37 students will work with an assigned mentor who will educate them in two different job functions within the various divisions. Student assignment include: Crime Lab, Criminal Investigations, Station Clerk, Duty Officer, Courthouse Security, Fiscal, Detention Center, School Resource Officer/D.A.R.E., State’s Attorney’s Office and Quartermaster.
The first week included a welcome into the program from Sheriff Cameron and State’s Attorney Richard Fritz. Then students toured Sheriff’s Office Headquarters, met staff members and began their experience.
“It’s our goal to expose the students to day-to-day operations which occur in the fields of corrections and law enforcement in a controlled environment. I hope the students will continue with their education in criminal justice,” said Cameron. “When recruiting, our focus is in looking toward our own county and region first. My hope is this experience for the students will be their bridge to careers in public safety,” Cameron continued.
