NCJ Number
85218
Date Published
1981
Length
23 pages
Annotation
Although many critics have emphasized higher educational standards for entrance into the police, court, and corrections professions, they should not continue to do so as an absolute substitute for actual experience, as provided in internships.
Abstract
Internship programs between criminal justice agencies and academic institutions have been logical partnerships, where each provided factors unattainable by the other. The purpose of the internship experience is to place students in organizational environments where they develop personal comprehension of criminal justice processes. Host organizations provide atmosphere, practical operations, and activities which academic institutions cannot duplicate. Academic institutions provide the conceptual foundations and basic knowledge for students to adequately function within the organizational environment. Insight gained during exposure to criminal justice organizations has permitted interns to test concepts and techniques learned in the classroom. Host organizations have benefited from skills and different viewpoints contributed by internship participants. Internship programs should be continued as legitimate additions to criminal justice academic endeavors and preparation for future criminal justice professionals. Fifty-one references are provided.