Unpaid Intern - Forensic Services Section (Spring 2027)

The Volusia Sheriff’s Office (VSO) Forensic Services Section Internship Program is a twelve to thirteen (12-13) week non-paid initiative which provides an introductory opportunity to students interested in learning about the operational functions of the Crime Scene Unit and Latent Print Unit. Students will be provided with the necessary experience and direction on what career path they may want to pursue within the field of forensics. This program also provides flexibility to meet academic needs by offering practical and technical opportunities working within the Crime Scene Unit and Latent Print Unit.

• Be enrolled in an accredited college, university, AND maintain an “active student status” (completed classes within the past three academic terms).
• Be seeking a degree with a major or minor in Law Enforcement, Forensic Sciences, Criminal Justice, Biology, or related field, and have completed at least one (1) year of course work in that major.
• Have and maintain a minimum 2.8 grade point average or higher on a 4.0 grade scale for undergraduates and a minimum 3.0 grade point average or higher for graduate students.
• Be able to intern fifteen (15) hours or more per week.
• Be able to intern various shifts, including nights.
• Be at least eighteen (18) years of age.

• Sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
• See at normal range or with reasonable accommodation.
• Hear at normal level or with reasonable accommodation.
• Finger dexterity for data entry.
• Sedentary position.
• Occasionally bend, squat, reach, grasp.
• Occasionally lift up to twenty pounds (20lbs).
• Utilize a computer/keyboard for extended periods of time.

• Attends presentations, lectures, training classes, and mock scenarios.
• Performs proper procedures for the collection and packaging of evidence.
• Perform and maintain the chain of custody of evidence.
• Assist in laboratory photography of various types of evidence.
• Performs proper techniques for fingerprinting on Livescan devices.
• Researches, analyzes, and collects information as required.
• Performs proper collection and preservation of Latent Prints.
• Assists with latent fingerprint comparisons through practical exercises and mock casework.
• Assist in processing evidence at crime scenes or in the crime lab.
• Performs laser scene mapping using FARO focus scanner.
• Assists in properly documenting and processing biological evidence.
• Observe an autopsy at the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• May perform postmortem fingerprinting under purview of the Medical Examiner’s Office.
• Participates in a formal mock trail.
• Performs some clerical tasks to include data entry, copying, filing, organizing, proofreading, faxing, and answering telephone calls might be required.
• Attends internship program on a regular and consistent basis.
• Must adhere to Federal, State, county, and Local ordinances.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

• Inside work.
• Outside work.
• Ability to tolerate fumes and odors.
• May be exposed to human remains.

• Read and comprehend professional and technical journals, manuals, procedures and instructions, memos, letters, evaluations, summaries.
• Write complex sentences relaying information, data and details in summary, opinions, findings.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely.
• Ability to perform basic mathematical functions.
• Ability to complete assignments within the project time period.
• Ability to follow instructions.
• Able to learn law enforcement policies and procedures.
• Abe to provide professional customer service skills to public and agency members.
• Able to properly maintain confidentiality of records and information in accordance with Florida State Statutes.
• Able to adhere to the agency’s core values, policies and procedures, and represent the VSO in a professional manner.
• Able to report to the internship assignment timely, consistently, and as scheduled.
• Able to interact effectively with others.

• Knowledge of general project practices.
• Knowledge of professional office setting etiquette.