Cold Case Unit Internship Teaches to Be a Detective

Get Cold Case Experience

In this exciting internship opportunity, you will work directly with detectives in the Michigan State Police First District Cold Case Unit to assist in their investigation of cold case homicides. You’ll gain experience working in the cold case library and networking with criminal justice professionals.

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Immerse Yourself in the Cold Case Process

Michigan State University is proud to offer a unique learning opportunity by partnering with the Michigan State Police First District Cold Case Unit. Throughout the semester, you will work with detectives on cases to organize and digitize cases, help determine any new possible leads, reexamine evidence and identify new sources of information.

As part of CJ894 internship, you will spend nine hours per week with MSP detectives at the Michigan State Police Annex in Diamondale, Michigan. With your assistance, the cold case unit can better determine what information needs to be located and new investigative leads to pursue so these cases can get the attention they deserve. You will also get to hear from various expert guest speakers and travel to key locations relevant to the cases you work on.

As a victim-centered and offender-focused unit, the goal is to ensure the centrality of victims in the design and implementation of our cold case investigative processes and procedures. You will be part of a team that’s dedicated to a compassionate approach toward the survivors and victims of the cases you cover.

Course Spotlight: CJ 894 Practicum Internship

Observe, study and work in select criminal justice agencies and participate in domestic and foreign criminal justice systems. Students can use this course to work in a variety of internship settings. One option is to work with the Michigan State Police First District Cold Case Unit for 3 credit hours per semester.

Earn Vital Skills Through Hands-On Work

Through your work with the Michigan State Police First District Cold Case Unit, you’ll work with law enforcement professionals on cases to gain the skills you need to be successful in your future career. This internship opportunity is designed to give you training in case analysis, investigation, cultural and societal crime factors and more.

Job Competencies	Observe working professionals to provide students with insight on particular job skill requirements Explore career paths and job functions
Broadening Horizons	Understand how individual policies, procedures, units or departments work within a broader context Explore careers/positions within Michigan State Police located outside the Cold Case Unit
Interpersonal Skills	Engage in group work to enhance collaborative communication and learning Effectively express thoughts, ideas and concerns regarding investigations with members of Michigan State Police Cold Case Unit Initiate and implement ideas to advance the work of the cold case unit
Learning About Your Agency	Understand agency regulations, benefits and hiring processes of the agency Understand organizational culture and norms of the agency
Career Exploration	Explore additional career positions within the Michigan State Police Establish professional networks through guest speakers and visitors to the unit Discuss employment paths with members of the Michigan State Police
Research Skills	Utilize research skills such as interviewing, surveying, documenting and using various databases to assist in cold cases Seek out information and organize it in a clear, concise, accurate, factual and objective report Relate academic knowledge to job demands

Who Should Participate in the Cold Case Unit?

The cold case unit internship is meant for undergraduate and graduate students from the School of Criminal Justice who want to develop their knowledge of cold case work in a real-world setting. This is particularly valuable for students who plan to do this type of work upon graduation and are interested in helping victims and their families find justice.

This internship fills quickly, and there are a limited number of spaces available each semester. If you are in the Michigan area and interested in participating, it’s important to prioritize early application and a faculty reference. Watch your MSU email for announcements.

How to Apply to the Cold Case Unit Internship

Each semester, MSP opens the internship opportunity for students in the School of Criminal Justice. Students will be notified of the application portal opening in October for the spring semester and April for the fall semester. The application portal is open for approximately one week. The application process includes:

A letter of intent from the student
A faculty member reference
If selected:
- Completion of paperwork, including a nondisclosure agreement
- Completion of a background check

MSP will review each applicant, and the final decisions on acceptance to the internship are made at the discretion of MSP. Students who are selected will then reach out to the career advisor in the School of Criminal Justice to complete the necessary internship paperwork and enroll in the course for the following semester.

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for in-depth answers. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to us.

What kind of faculty work in the MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis program?

Faculty in the MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis program are experts in their fields and dedicated to the success of our students. For more information, you can visit our faculty page.

What is the application process like for the cold case unit?

To apply to the Cold Case Unit internship, students will need a letter of intent and a faculty member reference submitted within the application window (approximately one week). For more information, see the “How to Apply to the Cold Case Unit Internship” section above. The one week is fluid each start. Watch your MSU email for announcement of the application process.

What careers will this internship prepare me for?

The skills developed in the MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis program and the cold case unit internship will prepare students for investigative and analytical careers in law enforcement.

How do I apply to the MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis program?

The first step is to start your application.

Can I participate in the cold case unit internship as an online student?

Due to the limited space and hands-on nature of the cold case unit internship, students who intend to participate must be available to work on-site in Michigan.