The Westchester County Forensic Laboratory is pleased to announce that our Forensic Internship/Shadowing program has been restarted after a hiatus due to COVID-19. The goal of our program is to provide an introduction to forensic cases in a working laboratory, to students interested in pursuing a career in forensic science.
Our program, which started in 1977, offers a well-conceived, highly respected program which spans a number of Forensic disciplines.
College Students
The internship/shadowing program at the Westchester County Forensic Laboratory is primarily designed to meet the needs of Forensic Science majors that require an internship as part of their core curriculum. Forensic Science students who do not require an internship and students majoring in related laboratory sciences will also be considered based on availability.
Applicants must either attend a college/university within the Tri-State area or reside in NYS, and be in an undergraduate program. Westchester County residents will be considered before non-Westchester County residents. In general, students must be enrolled in school during the term of the internship, should be in at least their Junior year when applying, and must be in good academic standing in a Forensic Science program or a closely related laboratory sciences program.
There are two terms in which you can carry out your internship: winter intersession, and the summer.
As an intern you may observe the analysis of physical evidence in the following areas:
• Forensic Biology (DNA)
• Trace Evidence
• Forensic Chemistry
• Forensic Imaging
Research projects in these areas are not guaranteed. If a hands-on project is desired, please indicate that in your interest email (see below).
The laboratory is a professional environment and proper attire should reflect this. Jewelry should be kept to a minimum. Long hair must be appropriately secured. It is highly suggested that contact lenses not be worn in the laboratory. However, if contact lenses are to be worn, safety glasses must also be worn in the laboratory. Improper dress will not be permitted and the intern may be sent home if necessary. Not permitted in the laboratory are:
• sleeveless shirts
• shorts
• sandals/open-toed shoes
Thank you for your interest in our 2023 summer internship program. The high volume of requests for applications has exceeded our expectations. With regret, we are no longer accepting requests for the 2023 summer internship session. If you have requested and received an application, please complete and submit it as soon as possible.
If you require a 2023-2024 winter internship, please check back near the end of the summer for more information.
You will be required to submit an elimination buccal sample if you are accepted for an internship or a shadow experience. This is required in order for you to be able to observe analysts during the examination process and the DNA analysis of evidence. It is to ensure that a DNA profile obtained from the evidence is from the biological/trace material on the evidence and not from anyone present in the examination room or DNA laboratories. A profile from your buccal sample will be generated and this profile will be added to the laboratory’s staff database. Your profile will not be uploaded to any other databases or given to any outside agencies (law enforcement, district attorney’s office, etc.). Your profile will be marked for deletion 6 months after your last day here. You can be notified once the deletion has taken place upon request.
In addition, you will also be required to sign a Confidentiality & Conflict of Interest Policy Agreement.
If you have any questions regarding the buccal sample and/or the agreement, please send them along with your application.
High School Students
High School students are encouraged to check back at a later date for information about possible internships coordinated through the Department of Laboratories and Research.