Internship at the OFFICE OF POLICE COMPLAINTS

GOVERNMENT OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

OFFICE OF POLICE COMPLAINTS

Public Affairs Internship Program: Spring, Summer and Fall 2011

The District of Columbia Office of Police Complaints (OPC) is seeking creative and motivated students for its 2011 public affairs internship program, which offers excellent opportunities to develop valuable skills in public relations and communications, while becoming familiar with the growing field of police oversight.

OPC is a quasi-independent government agency that receives, investigates and resolves complaints from the public alleging police misconduct by officers of the Metropolitan Police Department and the D.C. Housing Authority Police Department. The agency’s public affairs interns will assist the public affairs specialist in all aspects of community relations. Individuals having an interest in government-media relations, law enforcement and/or civil rights issues are encouraged to apply. Bilingual skills are a plus.

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Developing communication and outreach materials
Planning and participating in community outreach events
Establishing media contacts and promoting news coverage of the agency’s work
Drafting news releases, reports and website content
Responding to D.C. Freedom of Information Act requests

Interested Public Affairs Intern candidates should possess the following:
Demonstrated understanding of public relations principles
Solid communication skills (verbal and written)
Excellent time management skills
Strong research skills

Qualifications:
Candidate for a bachelor’s or master’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, public relations or related field

There is the possibility that the summer internship may be a paid position. Fall and spring internships are unpaid, but can be done in conjunction with a college course for academic credit.

Application Deadlines for 2011:
Please submit a cover letter (indicate spring, summer or fall internship), resume and writing sample by the following date:

Spring January 10, 2011

Summer March 14, 2011

Fall July 8, 2011

All materials may be mailed, faxed or emailed to:
Stephanie Banks, Administrative Officer
Public Affairs Internship Program
Office of Police Complaints
1400 I Street, NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20005
Email: Stephanie.Banks@dc.gov
Fax: 202-727-7638