Trooper Explorer Program

The Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper Explorer Program is an educational youth program designed to expose individuals to a career in law enforcement through training and mentoring by MSP troopers. Explorers work with troopers to learn what a law enforcement career entails, serve the community, and develop their leadership ability. Explorers attend weekly meetings supervised by a trooper. Explorers will have the opportunity to volunteer at several community events.

Explorers have the opportunity to participate in:

Educational instruction based on law enforcement related topics
Scenario-based practical exercises
Leadership training and experience in leadership roles
Competitions at the state and national level with other police explorer programs
Community events

Requirements:

14-21 years old
Good academic standing (2.5+ GPA)
No felony convictions
Excellent moral character

Location:

Explorer posts are available at multiple Michigan State Police posts across the state. To see if an explorer program is near you, please view the explorer program application here.

Student Trooper Programs

These one week academies are designed for high school students in grades 10-12 to experience the training needed to become Michigan State Police troopers. Students learn about traffic and criminal law, defensive tactics, firearms and marksmanship fundamentals, first-aid, water safety, narcotics, search and seizure, patrol tactics, crash investigations, law enforcement career opportunities, forensic science, conservation law, underwater recovery, and character issues of leadership. Criteria for student selection:

Have an expressed interest in law enforcement
Be of good moral character
Kiwanis Club requires students carry an academic grade point of 2.0 or better at the time of application; the American Legion requires an academic grade point of 2.5 or better at the time of application
Be entering into grades 10, 11, or 12 in the next school year
Have good health, capable of strenuous daily physical activity
Have no juvenile criminal record
Possess no current illness or injury

Placements are made on a variety of criteria and therefore, it is important that you begin this process without any delays. Timeliness and completeness are a must. For information: Contact your local Michigan District of Kiwanis Club for information and registration details. Kiwanis District Office: 517-676-3837. For information on the American Legion Student Trooper Academy you may go to www.michiganlegion.org or contact Ashley at 517-371-4720 ext. 23.

Michigan Youth Leadership Academy (MiYLA™)

Entirely funded on a competitive, annual basis through the federal U.S. Department of Justice, Byrne Justice Assistance Grant, MiYLA™ provides teens ages 14-15 with the opportunity to develop leadership skills and build positive relationships with law enforcement officers. The teens spend five days at the MSP Training Academy, in Lansing, where they receive instruction from troopers and officers from their hometown police department in an effort to form a foundation of responsibility, respect and trust, benefiting the teens, law enforcement officers, and their community. This is only run for a few weeks during the summer dependent on the availability of federal funds, and is city and gender-specific. Learn more about (MiYLA™).

Internship Opportunities

The MSP offers a limited number of unpaid internships at various locations for students interested in a career in law enforcement. The MSP also offers a limited number of non-law enforcement internships as well. To be considered for an internship at one of our participating worksites, the following is required:

United States citizen at the time of application or have a valid student visa.
Enrolled in an internship program at a college or university for which you will receive course credit.
Submit to driving history and criminal record check:

Criminal history or excessive civil infraction violations will be evaluated based on seriousness, surrounding circumstances, number, and date of violations.
Felony convictions shall be cause for automatic disqualification.

Valid operator's or chauffeur's license without restrictions (except corrective lenses). *

*required for law enforcement internships only

The worksite coordinator will work with the student intern to determine work hours and assignments, while taking into consideration the student's other employment and educational obligations, as well as the work site's operational needs. Student internships typically last one semester (approximately 16 weeks).

Application Process - Law Enforcement

Contact the recruiter at the worksite you are interested in working to discuss internship possibilities.
Submit the Application for Internship Form (PD-039) in full, at least one month prior to the anticipated start date of the internship to the worksite commander.
You may be required to fill out additional application forms, based on the worksite commander
Your application will be reviewed and acceptable candidates will be asked to appear for an interview to determine suitability for an internship at the designated worksite.

Application Process - Non Law Enforcement

Check the Civil Service Job Posting page frequently for internship opportunities at: www.governmentjobs.com
You may be required to fill out additional application forms, based on the worksite commander
Your application will be reviewed and acceptable candidates will be asked to appear for an interview to determine suitability for an internship at the designated worksite.

Featured Internship Opportunities

No opportunities available at this time.