Use of Deadly Force - Internship
This listing is for an internship with the Office of the Washington State Auditor's Office - Use of Deadly Force team, located in Olympia, WA.
Application review will begin on February 2nd, 2026, and you are encouraged to submit your application materials as soon as possible. The hiring manager reserves the right to close the posting at any time once a selection has been made.
Want to know if Washington’s police reform and accountability laws are working? As a use of deadly force investigations (UDFI) audit intern, you’ll be part of the State Auditor’s newest team reviewing police use of deadly force investigations to help ensure they are conducted objectively and independently. You’ll have the opportunity to work with UDFI auditors, the Criminal Justice Training Commission and Washington state law enforcement to improve how use of deadly force investigations are conducted throughout the state.
We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate they are inquisitive, critical thinkers, independent and objective and have strong communication skills. Work experience and/or formal education in a relevant field, such as criminal justice, public policy, political science, law, sociology, or accounting/auditing, is preferred.
Apply here: https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/washington/jobs/5207671/audit-intern-use-of-deadly-force?dep…
Use of Deadly Force Investigation Audit Internship
The Office of the Washington State Auditor offers a chance to make a difference in how government operates. Our staff come from a variety of professional backgrounds. We work in a collaborative manner with intelligent, creative and supportive colleagues. We continue to look for new ideas to ensure our audits provide value to the government and the public. To learn more about our agency and the work that we perform, visit our website at www.sao.wa.gov.
Use of Deadly Force Investigation (UDFI) Audit Program
SAO’s UDFI Audit Program reviews police use of deadly force investigations for compliance with state laws and rules designed to ensure law enforcement agencies conduct objective and independent investigations. UDFI auditors examine the actions of those involved in the immediate aftermath of the use of deadly force incident and with the ensuing investigation, including involved officers and witness officers and the investigation team. Washington Administrative Code 139-12-030 outlines the process for independent investigations of police use of deadly force and the qualifications for investigators. To learn more about these audits, visit https://sao.wa.gov/about-audits/about-use-deadly-force-audits.
We are looking to hire a summer intern with our UDFI audit team. This is a paid internship opportunity. The start and duration of summer internships is somewhat flexible. Our team is based in Olympia, WA, and often makes use of working remotely. However, travel to audit sites might be required. Interns must reside in Washington for the duration of their internship. This position may be eligible for transitioning into a permanent, full-time position upon completion of internship. To be considered, you must submit your completed application materials at www.careers.wa.gov.
Duties:
The intern will become part of the team responsible for conducting UDFI audits. Interns work with audit staff to review investigation case files to evaluate whether law enforcement agencies complied with all applicable laws and rules governing independent investigations of police use of deadly force. The team also develops recommendations to improve compliance. Interns may also interview investigators and draft audit reports.
Qualifications:
Our office is seeking a candidate who has or is in the process of acquiring the following qualifications and skills:
- A functional understanding of the justice system or the ability to learn about it
- Excels at preparing clear and convincing written documents and reports
- Effectively communicates verbally and in writing with a variety of audiences, including colleagues, law enforcement agencies and the public
- Demonstrates the ability to think critically and make logical conclusions
- The above qualifications may be demonstrated by those currently enrolled in a bachelor's or master’s degree program in an applicable field (e.g., business, public administration, accounting/auditing, public policy, political science, law, criminal justice, sociology or related field) at an accredited college or university
- OR those who have one year of work experience in a related field
- OR a combination of related work experience and school
Supplemental Information:
To apply, please submit:
- Your completed application at www.careers.wa.gov
- A resume and cover letter specifically addressing how you meet the qualifications listed in the announcement
Questions may be directed to the applications unit of our Office by calling or by emailing applicationsunit@sao.wa.gov.
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
We are committed to building a team with a variety of backgrounds, skills and ideas in order to carry out the agency’s mission today and in the future. This includes ensuring every member of our team feels valued and supported. We encourage you to join us.
The Office of the Washington State Auditor is an equal opportunity employer.
Persons with a disability, who need assistance in the application or testing process, or who need this announcement in an alternative format, may call (564) 999-0947 or via the telecommunications relay service by dialing 7-1-1.