Tobias Lemke
Internship: Duluth Police West Station
What is your major?
Criminology & Political Science
Where was your internship placement? (What is the purpose of the organization?)
I work at the Duluth Police West Station. I work specifically with the Financial and Property Crime Units, which investigate crimes ranging from auto-theft and burglaries to credit card frauds and the issuing of worthless checks.
What did your general duties involve?
My general duties include a number of different experiences. The day starts out doing work at the office to help the investigators with their research. That includes: making phone calls to suspects and witnesses, scheduling interviews and conducting them with the help of the investigators. I use the data collection system of the police to document the different investigative steps taken during each investigation. I have also written my own subpoenas and search warrants. Outside the office I go along with the investigators to talk to witnesses and suspects, confiscate or return stolen property and also to execute search warrants. These are just some of the things I do.
What was your most memorable experience?
My most memorable experience so far has been taking part in some of the interviews and seeing how skillful the investigators extract information from witnesses or suspects. There are also powerful human factors involved; I have experienced people becoming very angry or panic when faced with the possibility of arrest and incarceration.
Has your internship influenced your career path?
The internship has clearly influenced my career paths consideration and I am almost certain that after graduation I will pursue a career in the field of law enforcement.