Science Intern, Lab Tech ​/ Assistant

• Job Req
• Division:
  Crime Lab Interns
• Salary Range: $19.47 to $22.75
• Job Type: Unclassified
• Business Area:
  Police
• Personnel Area:
  Police
• Closing Date: 09/10/2026

The San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory is a full-service laboratory that provides the highest quality scientific examination of physical evidence collected from crime scenes.

This internship is designed to provide students with a professional learning experience that includes meaningful, hands‑on work related to their field of study or career interests. The program offers opportunities for career exploration and professional development while allowing interns to gain practical experience in a crime laboratory setting.

During the internship, participants will learn about general laboratory procedures, accreditation standards and requirements, and proper evidence handling. Interns will also gain insight into the movement of evidence through the criminal justice process—from collection at a crime scene to its use in court. In addition, the program highlights the importance of maintaining reference collections and utilizing forensic databases in laboratory work.

Internship

Title:

San Diego Police Department Crime Laboratory Internship

Department Name:
San Diego Police Department

Format:
In-Person

Address:
San Diego Police Headquarters, 1401 Broadway, San Diego, CA 92101

General Schedule/Hours per week:
Require a minimum of 10 hours per week in the office, Monday through Friday. Options to work more hours during school breaks are available and will require approval from the Intern Supervisor.

Internship Duration:
Varies by project. Maximum

Hours:

1200

Internship opportunities may be available in a variety of forensic disciplines, including Forensic Biology, Forensic Chemistry, Firearms, Trace Evidence, Crime Scene, Latent Prints and Forensic Technology.

• Forensic Biology – DNA Analysis
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Forensic Chemistry – Alcohol and Narcotics Analysis
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (Chemistry preferred)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Forensic Technology – Process Digital Evidence
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a computer forensics or computer science degree
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Trace – Hair, Fiber, GSR etc. Analysis & Comparison
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Firearms – Bullet and Cartridge casing Analysis & Comparison
  • Completion of a hard science lab course
  • Enrollment in a hard science degree with key courses in this discipline (biology, biochemistry, chemistry, genetics, molecular biology)
  • Completion of 75 semester or 112.5 Qtr. units of college
• Crime Scene – Evidence collection from crime scenes & processing of evidence (
  ** If selected, 2 weeks of training are required)
  • Completion of the following courses:
    • Basic and Advanced Forensic Photography
    • Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting
    • Basic Forensic Technology
• Latent Print – Fingerprint Examination
  • Completion of Basic and Advanced Fingerprinting Courses

Applicants will have to undergo a background and polygraph examination to work in the Crime Laboratory.**

For additional information, please visit:
Crime Laboratory | City of San Diego Official Website

The City of San Diego consists of more than 30 operational departments. Internships are available when project-based opportunities arise amongst departments. With general supervision, an internship provides part-time employment opportunities for students enrolled in a continuing education, traditional education, or training program to gain hands‑on experience related to their career interests or area of study.