Madelyn Peterson, university studies, New Bern Police Department
For many college students, internships offer an opportunity to make connections. East Carolina University’s Madelyn Peterson, a senior university studies — legal and military studies major from Manchester, New Hampshire, did just that as an intern at the New Bern Police Department.
Peterson made plenty of connections at the criminal justice career fair in the spring, including finding her internship. She said that was a goal of hers, being that she wasn’t from North Carolina originally but arrived in the state thanks to a unique situation.
Madelyn Peterson, a member of the Army National Guard, completed an internship with the New Bern Police Department. (Contributed photo)
“I joined the New Hampshire Army National Guard when I was 17 originally to serve my community and give myself better opportunities. Using the free tuition benefit I was able to go to an out-of-state college and I chose ECU and then transferred to the North Carolina Army National Guard. My parents lived in eastern North Carolina while my father served, so I loved the area when visiting growing up.”
During her internship, Peterson was fully immersed with the department. She participated in ride along experiences with the patrol, violent crime and narcotics units. During special response team training, she helped and watched search warrant training and participated in school shooting protocol training. She also shadowed a booking and arrest, worked through a major case from start to finish and worked in the evidence annex. One aspect that stood out to Peterson was the level of involvement for officers in their communities.
“I was surprised how much police officers are involved in communities,” she said. “I learned how officers earn trust from citizens through community outreach and social interaction. It is important that officers have community trust to avoid escalation, promote honesty and respect among law enforcement. While doing ride alongs I was always impressed by how many citizens officers know by name by just creating a positive environment for growth and conversation.”
Peterson said she made connections with the law enforcement community in New Bern including the Craven County Sheriff’s Department, Craven and Pamlico Counties Children’s Advocacy Center and Craven County District Attorney’s office, as well as a sexual assault advocate at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point.
Heading into her final semester as an undergraduate, Peterson feels her internship allowed her to better understand the criminal justice system and the importance of community impact for law enforcement.
“I found I thrive working directly with people and assisting others,” she said. “While I don’t know what job I’ll end up with, I’m positive it will be in a position where I will make sure another person has a better and safe day due to my actions.”