About the role
Build a safer Colorado while building your career.
Are you looking for more than just a line on a resume? Our internship programs offer students a front-row seat to the critical work of safeguarding our communities. From forensic science to emergency management, you will apply classroom theory to high-stakes, real-world situations alongside the state’s leading public safety experts.
Program Requirements & Benefits
- Credit-Based: All internships must be taken for college/university credit.
- Commitment: Typically 10–20 hours per week (varies by division).
- Flexibility: Office hours are 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Interns can set a flexible schedule within these hours to accommodate their academic needs.
- Compensation: These are currently unpaid positions unless otherwise noted.
- Perks: Gain practical work experience, access to state-level training, professional networking, and a potential pathway to full-time employment within the State of Colorado.
Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC)
The Colorado Information Analysis Center (CIAC) is an office within DHSEM that serves as a central hub for receiving, analyzing, and sharing threat-related information among public sector, private sector, local, tribal and federal partners throughout Colorado and the United States. The CIAC focuses on preventing acts of crime, taking an all-threats approach to analyze potential dangers to Colorado's community and infrastructure, focusing on areas such as cyber actors, terrorism, threats to elected officials, and organized crime.
The CIAC internship program provides students with the opportunity to assist with analytic efforts, including intelligence writing, briefings, and trainings across a variety of focus areas. Internships typically range from 3–12 months in length, depending on the student’s availability and the needs of the assigned team.
Minimum time commitment: Three (3) months at four (4) hours per week.
Candidates must be enrolled in a Bachelor’s program (senior-year students) or a Master’s program with a focus in criminal justice, homeland security, intelligence, cybersecurity, fire and emergency management, or a related field. Ability to pass a background investigation and polygraph examination, as well as successful completion of required training upon acceptance as an intern. Internship opportunities are offered depending on operational unit needs.
Watch Center
This unit provides 24/7 situational awareness for the CDPS and provides tactical support to our partners upon request. More information can be found here.