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Blue Light Special: 175 Apply For DPD's First Internship Program

DETROIT (WWJ) - The new internship program offered by the Detroit Police Department has garnered a sizable response from college students ready for opportunity.

The program drew over 175 applicants, but just 35 made the cut - with most of the students coming from a schools with criminal justice programs.

Jazzmine Ali-Tucker, a 21-year-old Michigan State student with be interning for the DPD.  The Detroit-native says it's great experience for the real world.

"So I think it awesome jump start to ... get the hands on experience and meet all of these wonderful people and to actually know ... this is something I want to do," said Ali-Tucker.

Ali-Tucker will graduate in the fall. Among other training, all of the interns will learn how to collect evidence, process reports and become familiar with courtroom procedures.

Marie Cadez says it's a necessary change from the classroom:

"Not just memorizing books, and facts and getting ready for tests - I want some real on-the-job experience," she said.

Cadez feels the internship will give her an edge in the job market, having had actual work experience. "To get our feet wet with some on the job experience ... which is something that I think that employers are going to be looking for."

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