Office of the Public Defender

Become an Investigator Intern

The Investigator Division of the Office of the Public Defender is composed of career professionals typically pursuing or possessing undergraduate degrees in criminal justice or psychology. Investigator interns work closely with those in the Investigator Division. Interns are matched with mentors, whom they shadow as their mentors conduct client interviews prior to court appearances, conduct witness interviews, hunt down hard-to-find evidentiary assets in person, conduct searches for digital records, and pursue leads. Interns eventually work independently to conduct client interviews at jails; track down information; locate and interview witnesses; review case files; and examine, diagram, and photograph crime scenes. Investigator interns must participate in a security class at the jail, pass a background check, and have reliable transportation. Interns must also have availability three days a week - for a total of 24 hours a week - between the hours of 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM.

• We follow the school semesters with a Fall, Winter, and Summer program
• Prior approval from the school is necessary to receive college credit
• Participation of two days a week is mandatory
• 3 to 4 students per semester

To Apply

Applicants should upload a resume and a cover letter to: Investigator intern. Those identified as prospective matches will be contacted regarding interviews.

Testimonial

"When I worked with the Florida Rights Restoration project, I was drawn to the public defender's office because of their leadership on voting rights' restoration for returning citizens. It was an 'almost' dream of mine to seek employment at PD-15 as my uncle worked there 20 years ago and because of Carey Haughwout's commitment to indigent clients. I first conducted research for Carey on pre-trial diversion programs and then applied for the investigator internship. As an undergraduate social work major from Skidmore College and then as a Master of Social Work student at Florida Atlantic University, the internship opened up a new career opportunity to me. As an intern, I was one of the first people to meet with Public Defender clients and to show them someone cared about them. People with a range of backgrounds can become criminal investigators. I drew on listening, questioning, research, and speaking skills learned as an undergrad and on empathy for those living in poverty. I realized I could make a difference in people's lives doing this work."
  —Kallie Atterbury, Former Investigator Intern