FDLE Forensic Internship Program

Minimum Qualifications:
 
Potential candidates must:

  1. Be enrolled in school during the semester of potential internship in a degree program related to physical, chemical, biological, or forensic science;
  2. Be classified as a senior or graduate student; and
  3. Not be on academic probation or warning.
 
Below are the descriptions/qualifications for each type of internship.  
 
  • Biology/DNA interns must have completed at least 20 credit hours in chemical or biological science related coursework graded at a “C” or better. A minimum of 12 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject areas of biochemistry, genetics, statistics and molecular biology (molecular genetics or recombinant DNA technology) is required.
  • Seized Drugs interns must have completed at least 25 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject area of chemistry.
  • Toxicology/Trace Materials interns must have completed at least 15 credit hours in college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better covering the subject area of chemistry.
  • Interns for all other disciplines must have complete at least 15 credit hours of science-related college coursework (graduate or undergraduate level) graded at a “C” or better.
 
Duties:
 
Interns may be assigned to one of the forensic disciplines within the laboratory and/or rotate between them. After orientation/in-processing, interns will observe different aspects of evidence handling and forensic analysis. Interns may participate in basic laboratory functions and special projects may be assigned at the discretion of the section supervisor. Interns must complete all internship requirements stipulated from their college or university.
 
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
 
Potential candidates should have the following:
 
  • Knowledge of the terminology, principles, and analytical techniques used in the analysis of physical evidence as it applies to the forensic laboratory;
  • Knowledge of the correct procedures for providing expert testimony in court;
  • Knowledge of the procedures for packaging, handling, and preserving evidence;
  • Knowledge of what constitutes physical evidence;
  • Knowledge of the scientific method of conducting research;
  • Skill in the use of scientific laboratory equipment;
  • Skill in calibrating and maintaining laboratory equipment;
  • Ability to conduct forensic science experiments, analyze results, formulate conclusions and present findings verbally and in writing;
  • Ability to plan, organize and coordinate work assignments; and
  • Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
 
 
Forensic Discipline PROC TROC JROC OROC TBROC FMROC
Biology/DNA X X X X X X
Crime Scene X X X     X
Digital Evidence   X     X  
DNA Databse   X        
Document Examination X          
Firearms   X X X X  
Footwear and Tire(Impression Evidence)         X  
Friction Ridge X X X   X X
Seized Drugs X   X X X X
Toxicology   X   X    
Trace Materials       X    

 

* Forensic Interships are only available in Tallahassee, Pensacola, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa Bay, and Fort Myers.
 
 

Florida Department of Law Enforcement Priorities

FDLE is composed of five areas: Executive Direction and Business Support, Criminal Investigations and Forensic Science, Criminal Justice Information, Criminal Justice Professionalism and Florida Capitol Police. FDLE’s duties, responsibilities and procedures are mandated through Chapter 943, FS, and Chapter 11, FAC. To learn more about these areas, read our Statement of Agency Organization and Operation or visit our Open Government page.