 |
Photo
Credit |
|
About the Police Fellowship Program Consistent with its commitment to improve policing, the foundation is determined to enrich individuals with its wealth of resources. The Police Foundation has been on the cutting edge of police innovation for almost thirty years. However, because of the relatively small size of the organization, a law enforcement fellow is likely to be exposed to most aspects of criminal justice research. This fellowship program has career-enhancing opportunities for law enforcement personnel interested in police policy on a national level, and the application of technology, research, and/or training development. Fellows are assigned to the Division of Research, Evaluation, and Professional Services, and may be asked to assist with projects in other divisions. The program ensures broad exposure to the many facets of the foundation, including:
Fellowship Benefits Law enforcement fellows fill vacancies in the Police Foundation at no cost either to the officer or to the participating agency. A law enforcement fellow is assigned to a field in which he or she has knowledge or expertise. Through instruction and guidance from the foundation staff, a law enforcement fellow has the opportunity to work with nationally recognized experts in policing, police policy, and research. This allows the fellow to benefit from the specialized skills of individual relationships, and his or her exposure to state-of-the-art ideas enhances professional growth. Local law enforcement fellows receive a stipend for transportation, whereas law enforcement fellows from outside the Washington, DC, metropolitan area receive local housing as well as a small stipend. The agency benefits from this mutual arrangement because our law enforcement fellows gain exposure to and experience of some of the nation’s leading experts in policing. Law enforcement fellows return to their respective agencies with new skills and insights into a broad range of current police operational and administrative theory and practice. The Police Foundation benefits from an enhanced diverse work force by expanding its national network with contacts in various cities and states, and developing human and organizational relationships. Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities A basic knowledge of American policing and/or education in criminal justice or a related field is required. Fellows should possess computer skills as well as the necessary analytical skills. Also required is the ability to organize multiple projects, manage time effectively, and think creatively. Commitment The candidate must be willing to serve a minimum of three months, which may be extended to six months. Ordinarily, the law enforcement fellow will be assigned to the Police Foundation while on full-pay status from his/her agency. Fellows will normally work Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. However, on occasion it may be necessary for the fellow to work or travel on the weekend depending on assignments. It is the responsibility of the fellow to give appropriate notice to the fellowship coordinator if it becomes necessary for the fellow to temporarily return to his/her department for urgent matters such as court testimony, etc. The foundation coordinator will grant days off according to departmental procedures. Academic Credit for the Fellowship Most colleges and universities have directed/independent study programs that allow students to accrue credits while participating in a previously approved work-study program. The number of credits that are awarded vary between schools and departments. It is the responsibility of the fellow to identify the college and/or agency requirements of receiving credit, and to submit any necessary materials and documentation for credit to the foundation. Application Procedures Applicants are considered on a continual basis, but opportunities are limited and this may in turn increase competition. Applicants are required to submit a résumé and a letter of inquiry that outlines the period requested for the fellowship, the employment and educational background of the applicant, and his or her areas of interest and expertise. Fellowship Acceptance and Selection A review of the applicant’s credentials and eligibility will be conducted by the Police Foundation’s fellowship/internship coordinator, who will forward the material to a review committee, if eligibility requirements are met. Once the committee renders its decision, the Police Foundation will notify the applicant and agency in writing. The committee may then choose to set up an interview with the applicant, either in person or by telephone. Selection decisions are based on the foundation’s space, current projects, research topics, timeframe, and the candidate’s area of expertise and/or interest. Once a candidate’s acceptability has been determined, the Police Foundation will notify him or her and the agency. It is incumbent upon the candidate to remain in contact with the Police Foundation once they are notified of his/her acceptance. This will ensure timely updates of information, changes in schedules or travel itinerary, and other pertinent details essential for the transition.
For more information about the Police Fellowship Program, please contact Dr. Karen Amendola, (202) 833-1460, email kamendola@policefoundation.org. |
