Applications Open for Three Indiana State Police CSI and Forensic Lab Internships

The Indiana State Police (ISP) is opening three internship tracks for college students pursuing careers in forensic science: a Crime Scene Investigator (CSI) internship and two Forensic Laboratory internships, one in biology and one in chemistry. Applications for all three positions are available on the ISP Career Opportunities website and must be submitted by Sunday, February 22, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

The CSI Internship is described as an observational and experiential program that places students alongside Indiana State Police crime scene investigators to gain practical exposure to investigative work. WJTS TV summarized the program: "The Crime Scene Investigator Internship Program is an observational and experiential opportunity designed for students seeking careers in forensic services." WJTS added that "Interns will work closely with Indiana State Police crime scene investigators and gain hands-on exposure to modern investigative practices," and that the program gives students insight into both administrative and field responsibilities.

The two Forensic Laboratory internships are framed as "well-rounded observational and experiential programs" for students who want laboratory experience. WITZ AM/FM reported that the Forensic Laboratory is "hiring a Biology and Chemistry intern (1 each)." These lab internships emphasize observation of real casework and sample processing while working with forensic scientists. As WITZ put it, "This opportunity provides a learning environment based on observations of real casework and sample processing while working closely with forensic scientists" and promises training on "current industry standards and modern instruments used for testing." WITZ and other outlets note interns will learn about the "daily analytical and administrative demands of being a forensic scientist."

For Perry County students and local colleges, the ISP openings offer a direct pathway into applied forensic skills that are often difficult to replicate in classroom labs. Hands-on observation and on-the-job exposure can strengthen resume credentials for students seeking state or local forensic positions, lab technician roles, or further graduate training. From a regional workforce perspective, internships like these can help build a pipeline of technically trained candidates for criminal justice and public health laboratories, potentially lowering recruitment costs for agencies and improving case-processing capacity over the medium term.

Several operational details remain unspecified in public notices: the number of CSI internship slots, whether positions are paid, internship length and weekly hours, academic credit eligibility, and where interns will be physically placed. Local students should be aware that those details will affect feasibility for commuters or those balancing coursework and jobs.

Students interested in applying should use the ISP Career Opportunities website before the Feb. 22 deadline. The openings represent a rare, practical bridge between classroom learning and state-level forensic work; for Perry County residents considering careers in public safety or laboratory science, these internships may be a meaningful step toward permanent employment in a growing technical field.