Cutline: NOC sophomore Steve Owings recently completed an internship with the Enid Police Department. (photo provided)
As a Criminal Justice major at Northern Oklahoma College, Steve Owings, received an insider’s view to the world of being a member of the Enid Police Department.
During a six-week internship, Owings chose to work the evening patrol shift where he was allowed to ride alongside Enid police officers. This experience showed the NOC student what happens on a typical eight-hour shift, while also showing him that no shift is ever typical. Hoping to enter the field of criminal justice after graduation,
Owings said this internship opportunity gave him valuable experience and connections that will benefit him when he begins his career.
As part of the internship, Owings also toured the different components that make up the Enid Police Department. This gave him insight into other areas besides being a patrol officer including the dispatcher, juvenile department, evidence team, training officer, SWAT team, and detective department.
Owings explained, “The Enid Police Department is entering the 21st Century as one of the premier police departments in Oklahoma with new technologies, better trained people, and citizen involvement that allows them to better provide law enforcement services to the community.”
“The department has taught me so much,” he added. “This opportunity helped me build a relationship with the community by being able to be a helping hand to Enid’s people.”
Kathleen Swain, Coordinator of Student Academic Success Services, helps NOC students obtain and complete internships.
“Internships help students gain valuable experience in their chosen field of study,” she said. “Companies look for graduates who have experience and NOC helps provide that opportunity.”
For additional information on providing an internship opportunity, contact Swain at 580-628-6258.