Homicide Center

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A unique, volunteer-driven, nonprofit organization
addressing the issue of homicide in our communities.
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Zoom Internships Available

The Center for Homicide Research offers one of the finest internship programs in the United States. Over 700 students have completed internships with the Center. Qualifying students come from undergraduate, graduate and law schools. This is a multi-disciplinary opportunity, though majors typically include sociology, criminology, psychology, social psychology, forensic psychology, GIS (geographic information systems), statistics, or law. All internships are unpaid however the Center offers an interactive learning environment with real-world learning. People of color and LGBT students are strongly encouraged to apply.

Students develop research skills as they identify, categorize, and document various types of homicide in the United States. Research occurs primarily using open-source (Internet-based) databases and archives. Homicide incident records are also retrieved from law enforcement and court systems, both online and in-person. Interns conduct research on related homicide topics to develop associated information, and conduct data analysis to identify patterns and trends. A concurrent aspect of this work is to report findings through scholarly research writing.

Interns must also have had an inquisitive spirit. Training often involves intense discussion, as does theory-building. Many homicide cases are not easily identified from the available sources require searching out cases in greater detail. Because case information is sometimes difficult to identify, multiple research strategies are encouraged under the supervision of the senior researcher. Due to the complexity of the research data, researchers are required to have an attention for detail. A working knowledge of sociological research is helpful, though not required. Students can often learn these subjects along the way.

Interns and researchers are required to have the ability to work with diverse cultures, communities, and lifestyles. This included people of color, people with mental illnesses, and the homeless to name a few. An understanding of the LGBT+ community is also helpful, but not required. Students are also required to be willing to confront the stigmatized topics of death, murder, and human sexuality. Homicide routinely involves diverse forms of sexual behavior, often deviant, and this topic is frequently discussed, though in a clinical manner.

A background check is required of all students and is conducted by a law-enforcement agency in the student’s state of origin. The Center for Homicide Research does not allow any felony or violent convictions, or persons under investigation for serious crimes. Full name (first, middle, and last) and date of birth is required for your background check.

The main operating platform for distanced internships requires Zoom, but the Center is not affiliated with this company. Zoom internships require that students have access to a desktop or laptop personal computer and be moderately computer literate. Students are not allowed to work from public spaces such as computer labs or coffeehouses. Internet access should be fast and stable. While occasional dropping of calls is understandable, an ongoing pattern of poor connectivity can be grounds for termination of an internship.

PC computers are preferred. Apple computers suffer compatibility issues that prevent access to required data analysis software, GIS mapping software, or other software packs. In addition, we use Dropbox.com for collaborative work. You may need to upgrade your storage capacity on Dropbox if your current subscription is insufficient. You can upgrade short-term for the period your internship and downgrade your subscription thereafter.

Internship applications are accepted in a process of open (rolling) enrollment, meaning you can apply and achieve placement at any time. There is no deadline. Summer session still has openings. The total number of hours for completion of the internship is 160. Satisfactory performance can lead to longer placements. Students can schedule hours as they see fit during normal business hours of their originating time-zone. Weekend hours are not available.

To apply, please send your resume and cover letter to: dallas.drake@homicidecenter.org. Be sure to include your full legal name on your resume.

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The Center for Homicide Research offers one of the finest internship programs in the United States. Distanced-based electronic internships begin in Fall of 2020. Qualifying students come from undergraduate, graduate and law schools.

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