6 answers
Amie
Student
Ola, Arkansas
2
Questions
Updated
2778 views
What can I do to earn criminal justice knowledge as a high school student who is in an internship but doesn't have access to materials to learn the specific things I want to learn?
I currently have an internship with my SRO at my school, but I am not really learning anything to further my knowledge in criminal justice. I have limited resources that I can use, and I don't know where to look to get the information I need to further my education.
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
3284
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Amie !
School Resource Officers (a law enforcement officer (police or sheriff's department) do not provide Internships in the High School. They are educators, mentors and light weight counselors. So, to clarify, you're probably not in an internship, rather that you have access to the SRO if you need it. That's probably why you feel you may not be learning anything. Internships definitely teach students.
You didn't say if you are 14 or 18 or what your age is, so I am not sure how to advise you. In order to go into Law Enforcement, you'd have to go to college first and then the Police Academy where you'll learn how to be a law enforcement officer. You also say that you have "limited resources" which I wonder because the internet is the number one resource for information and you can look up the subjects you want to learn about (which you didn't mention). There are many subjects within the realm of law enforcement.
Since you do not have a Library in Ola, you can go to the Nixon Library in Jacksonville, AR which serves your area. They even may have an online portal on which you can read books. Just look up the subjects you're interested in.
If you do not have a home computer or device of your own, apply for a low cost or free computer from local programs where you live like Free Geek of Arkansas which costs $30.00, and The On It Foundation which offers free computers to students like yourself. There are also nationwide programs you can apply to like PCs for People, and Computers With Causes. Also try The On It Foundation.
In high school make sure to take any classes your high school offers in government. If you are 18 years old, The North Little Rock Police Department in Arkansas offers a Ride-Along Program. This is like a shadowing experience at which you ride along with an officer(s) as they get called to situations. When/if you are 16 or older, you can join the Law Enforcement Explorer Post, and participate if you get approval from an Explorer Advisor. So, if your school has no resources, you can reach out to the community for opportunities to learn.
You won't learn or train to be an officer in high school but you will learn about administration of justice through a college path and then the rigorous training at a Police Academy will teach you how to be an officer. For right now, you can read and observe and also seek volunteer work at places connected to the subjects you want to learn about.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your high school guidance counselor or the school social worker if your school has one. They could be rich sources of information and referrals.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
School Resource Officers (a law enforcement officer (police or sheriff's department) do not provide Internships in the High School. They are educators, mentors and light weight counselors. So, to clarify, you're probably not in an internship, rather that you have access to the SRO if you need it. That's probably why you feel you may not be learning anything. Internships definitely teach students.
You didn't say if you are 14 or 18 or what your age is, so I am not sure how to advise you. In order to go into Law Enforcement, you'd have to go to college first and then the Police Academy where you'll learn how to be a law enforcement officer. You also say that you have "limited resources" which I wonder because the internet is the number one resource for information and you can look up the subjects you want to learn about (which you didn't mention). There are many subjects within the realm of law enforcement.
Since you do not have a Library in Ola, you can go to the Nixon Library in Jacksonville, AR which serves your area. They even may have an online portal on which you can read books. Just look up the subjects you're interested in.
If you do not have a home computer or device of your own, apply for a low cost or free computer from local programs where you live like Free Geek of Arkansas which costs $30.00, and The On It Foundation which offers free computers to students like yourself. There are also nationwide programs you can apply to like PCs for People, and Computers With Causes. Also try The On It Foundation.
In high school make sure to take any classes your high school offers in government. If you are 18 years old, The North Little Rock Police Department in Arkansas offers a Ride-Along Program. This is like a shadowing experience at which you ride along with an officer(s) as they get called to situations. When/if you are 16 or older, you can join the Law Enforcement Explorer Post, and participate if you get approval from an Explorer Advisor. So, if your school has no resources, you can reach out to the community for opportunities to learn.
You won't learn or train to be an officer in high school but you will learn about administration of justice through a college path and then the rigorous training at a Police Academy will teach you how to be an officer. For right now, you can read and observe and also seek volunteer work at places connected to the subjects you want to learn about.
Do not hesitate to reach out to your high school guidance counselor or the school social worker if your school has one. They could be rich sources of information and referrals.
I hope this helps and I wish you all the best !
Bhagesh Pant
Information Technology
17
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Bhagesh’s Answer
Amie, your initiative to seek out deeper learning in criminal justice is incredibly impressive. It’s common for internships, especially school-based ones, to feel limited in scope, but that doesn’t mean your growth has to be.
Start by exploring free online criminal justice courses that offer structured learning in areas like American law, forensic psychology, and international criminal law. These self paced programs cover everything from constitutional law to ethical dilemmas in policing and prosecution. You’ll gain foundational knowledge that will not only help you understand the field better but also strengthen your college applications.
Harvard’s Justice: https://www.edx.org/learn/justice/harvard-university-justice
University of Pennsylvania’s - Introduction to American Law: https://www.coursera.org/learn/american-law
You can also access free lesson plans and classroom resources through platforms like https://sharemylesson.com/subject/criminal-justice
This platform offers free materials on topics like mandatory minimum sentencing, cybersecurity, and civil rights. These are great for independent study or even for starting a criminal justice club at school.
If you're looking for hands-on experience, check out internship listings which highlight programs across the U.S. that offer real-world exposure to law enforcement, legal research, and courtroom procedures even for high school students.
Lumiere Education: https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/8-criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
Ladder Internships: https://www.ladderinternships.com/ladder-internships-blog/criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
Forensic Science Summer Programs: https://horizoninspires.com/blog/paid-forensic-science-summer-programs-internships-for-high-school-students/
To make the most of your current internship, consider asking your SRO if you can shadow them during different types of duties, observe interactions with law enforcement professionals, or assist with community outreach. You might also propose a small research project or presentation on a criminal justice topic that interests you.
You’re not just waiting for opportunities—you’re creating them. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep building your path. You’re already showing the kind of drive that makes a great future leader in justice.
Please go through my answer a few times to familiarize yourself with what I'm advising you.
Besides the detailed info I've shared above, I'm summing up the context for you.
- Start/Join a Criminal Justice club at school to share what you learn.
- Create a digital portfolio with summaries, reflections, and mock case studies. Explore internships, and prepare for college-level criminal justice programs.
- Network with professionals —ask your SRO or local law enforcement about mentorship or ride-along opportunities. Interview your SRO about real-world procedures and write a reflection.
- Create a mock case file based on a fictional crime.
- Start a journal to track what you learn and how it connects to your internship.
Arise, Awake and stop not until the goal is reached. Great things take time!! Keep shining!!
Best,
Bhagesh
https://sharemylesson.com/subject/criminal-justice
https://www.coursera.org/learn/american-law
https://www.edx.org/learn/justice/harvard-university-justice
https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/8-criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
https://www.ladderinternships.com/ladder-internships-blog/criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
Start by exploring free online criminal justice courses that offer structured learning in areas like American law, forensic psychology, and international criminal law. These self paced programs cover everything from constitutional law to ethical dilemmas in policing and prosecution. You’ll gain foundational knowledge that will not only help you understand the field better but also strengthen your college applications.
Harvard’s Justice: https://www.edx.org/learn/justice/harvard-university-justice
University of Pennsylvania’s - Introduction to American Law: https://www.coursera.org/learn/american-law
You can also access free lesson plans and classroom resources through platforms like https://sharemylesson.com/subject/criminal-justice
This platform offers free materials on topics like mandatory minimum sentencing, cybersecurity, and civil rights. These are great for independent study or even for starting a criminal justice club at school.
If you're looking for hands-on experience, check out internship listings which highlight programs across the U.S. that offer real-world exposure to law enforcement, legal research, and courtroom procedures even for high school students.
Lumiere Education: https://www.lumiere-education.com/post/8-criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
Ladder Internships: https://www.ladderinternships.com/ladder-internships-blog/criminal-justice-internships-for-high-school-students
Forensic Science Summer Programs: https://horizoninspires.com/blog/paid-forensic-science-summer-programs-internships-for-high-school-students/
To make the most of your current internship, consider asking your SRO if you can shadow them during different types of duties, observe interactions with law enforcement professionals, or assist with community outreach. You might also propose a small research project or presentation on a criminal justice topic that interests you.
You’re not just waiting for opportunities—you’re creating them. Keep asking questions, keep exploring, and keep building your path. You’re already showing the kind of drive that makes a great future leader in justice.
Please go through my answer a few times to familiarize yourself with what I'm advising you.
Besides the detailed info I've shared above, I'm summing up the context for you.
- Start/Join a Criminal Justice club at school to share what you learn.
- Create a digital portfolio with summaries, reflections, and mock case studies. Explore internships, and prepare for college-level criminal justice programs.
- Network with professionals —ask your SRO or local law enforcement about mentorship or ride-along opportunities. Interview your SRO about real-world procedures and write a reflection.
- Create a mock case file based on a fictional crime.
- Start a journal to track what you learn and how it connects to your internship.
Arise, Awake and stop not until the goal is reached. Great things take time!! Keep shining!!
Best,
Bhagesh
Bhagesh recommends the following next steps:
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1831
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Amie,
Michelle hit all the highpoints, so, I'll address some other issues.
Primarily, law enforcement, and criminal justice, is about "people." All the key components are people. An understanding of people goes a long way towards being able to apply the knowledge in whatever path you choose.
As a police officer, you must show self-restraint. You cannot allow yourself to be provoked. You have to have tolerance of other religions and cultures. You have to realize that sometimes it makes more sense to go along rather than to prove a point. What was to be gained if I forced a foreign person to yield to my authority, when they did not respect women in such positions? A male officer was right there, so I asked him to intervene.
Sometimes it's about understanding the human condition. If a guy is intoxicated because his wife and child died during childbirth, will going to jail do anything to help the situation?
There are a lot of social-cultural- economic factors at work. Why does the guy with the high-priced attorney get a break, when the guy with the public defender does not, even though it's similar crimes and circumstances? If you want to be a voice of change, you need to accept that there are lots of things needing change.
Respect. It's an interesting thing. You can always show respect to EVERYONE - until they give you a real reason not to. I had a handcuffed prisoner try to hold the door for me, and not because he was trying to hurt me in some way. People realize that they messed up, you don't have to rub their face in it.
All that being said, when it's time to get down and dirty, you need to be able to step up and let them know you mean business.
I have no idea what it is you want to learn. But, I highly recommend you do things to expose yourself to different types of people and situations - volunteer at the food bank, for example. The more you understand people, the better you will be in your role.
Michelle hit all the highpoints, so, I'll address some other issues.
Primarily, law enforcement, and criminal justice, is about "people." All the key components are people. An understanding of people goes a long way towards being able to apply the knowledge in whatever path you choose.
As a police officer, you must show self-restraint. You cannot allow yourself to be provoked. You have to have tolerance of other religions and cultures. You have to realize that sometimes it makes more sense to go along rather than to prove a point. What was to be gained if I forced a foreign person to yield to my authority, when they did not respect women in such positions? A male officer was right there, so I asked him to intervene.
Sometimes it's about understanding the human condition. If a guy is intoxicated because his wife and child died during childbirth, will going to jail do anything to help the situation?
There are a lot of social-cultural- economic factors at work. Why does the guy with the high-priced attorney get a break, when the guy with the public defender does not, even though it's similar crimes and circumstances? If you want to be a voice of change, you need to accept that there are lots of things needing change.
Respect. It's an interesting thing. You can always show respect to EVERYONE - until they give you a real reason not to. I had a handcuffed prisoner try to hold the door for me, and not because he was trying to hurt me in some way. People realize that they messed up, you don't have to rub their face in it.
All that being said, when it's time to get down and dirty, you need to be able to step up and let them know you mean business.
I have no idea what it is you want to learn. But, I highly recommend you do things to expose yourself to different types of people and situations - volunteer at the food bank, for example. The more you understand people, the better you will be in your role.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Good Day Amie!
Is the School Research Officer under the jurisdiction of the head, the principal? Get them to do their jobs and put in a submission for a laptop for you! Where is the funding from the Education Department? Are they such lame ducks that they cannot access funding for your research?
A cadetship with the military or the police would assist because you would get access to their programs and systems.
Start with 'good old Google,' then progress to Google Scholar. You can guess the search term! Criminal Justice. Select the dates of the cases and the state where they were heard. Start looking around search engines like the Legal Information Institute https://www.law.cornell.edu/
All you need is a computer or laptop and the Internet. When mine gave up the ghost from overwork, I was too poor to buy a new one. So, I joined the local municipal library. I volunteered at a local school, and they let me use the library. Super nerds like me used to hang around the university library 50 years ago. You may not want that modus operandi. You can access plenty more information for clients on a variety of topics.
I use the PubMed search engine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ in the National Library to access medical research. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=tocotrienols+cancer
When you enhance your knowledge in a specific area, your employability skyrockets. There are plenty of people who require information. It helps them make decisions, empowering them.
So, you could be a consultant or an intern, even remotely. If you get good at this, you can progress to a paid rather than a volunteer position. There is no crime in calling yourself a consultant!
Is the School Research Officer under the jurisdiction of the head, the principal? Get them to do their jobs and put in a submission for a laptop for you! Where is the funding from the Education Department? Are they such lame ducks that they cannot access funding for your research?
A cadetship with the military or the police would assist because you would get access to their programs and systems.
Start with 'good old Google,' then progress to Google Scholar. You can guess the search term! Criminal Justice. Select the dates of the cases and the state where they were heard. Start looking around search engines like the Legal Information Institute https://www.law.cornell.edu/
All you need is a computer or laptop and the Internet. When mine gave up the ghost from overwork, I was too poor to buy a new one. So, I joined the local municipal library. I volunteered at a local school, and they let me use the library. Super nerds like me used to hang around the university library 50 years ago. You may not want that modus operandi. You can access plenty more information for clients on a variety of topics.
I use the PubMed search engine https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ in the National Library to access medical research. SEE https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=tocotrienols+cancer
When you enhance your knowledge in a specific area, your employability skyrockets. There are plenty of people who require information. It helps them make decisions, empowering them.
So, you could be a consultant or an intern, even remotely. If you get good at this, you can progress to a paid rather than a volunteer position. There is no crime in calling yourself a consultant!
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