Lincoln Police seeking interns and volunteers

The Lincoln Police Department is looking for community members to volunteer and intern with their officers and civilian staff. 

Officer Luke Bonkiewicz said the interns and volunteers help conduct important research that help develop policies and procedures. 

In the past they’ve worked on issues such as improving hiring and retention, analyzing traffic stop data for racial disparities and are currently analyzing the school resource program. 

One intern is currently working on the “9PM Routine,” where the department posts a reminder to lock up valuables and secure your home every night. This program’s resulted in a major drop in crimes over the last year. 

“I know a lot of people are looking at it and it’s an awesome feeling to know that I am making a difference even though I’m just an intern,” Shane Mueller, the intern working on the project said. 

Mueller, a UNL student, said the internship has helped confirm that he wants to be a police officer after graduating and set a high standard for future department’s he’ll look into. 

To qualify to be an intern you must be a college student and doing the internship for college credit. To qualify as a volunteer you must be over 21 years old. 

Bonkiewicz said they’re accepting anyone of all backgrounds whether you have an interest or experience with law enforcement or criminal justice or not. 

“We are looking for honest and dedicated people who want to help LPD improve our service to the Lincoln community,” Bonkiewicz said. 

He added that the volunteer position would be great for someone who’s retired from a different career, but wants to keep busy and stay active in the community.

Anyone interested should go to the LPD homepage and click “Join Our Team” https://www.lincoln.ne.gov/city/police/rebenefits.htm

All applicants will have to pass a background check and provide references.