Fellowship Program
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Fellowship Overview
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) has maintained an active research fellowship program since 1986. Through this program, law enforcement agency chief executives may nominate mid- to upper-level managers to participate in a six-month fellowship at the PERF office in Washington, DC. Fellows will be exposed to a myriad of activities that are undertaken by PERF.
Fellows may work on projects on a wide variety of topics, depending on their experience and interests and the ongoing projects at PERF:
Twice a year, we colelct applications to select a mid- to upper-level manager from a police department to serve a six-month fellowship at PERF's offices in Washington, D.C.
We like to think of the PERF Fellowship as a "win-win-win" situation.
- The Fellows get an opportunity to broaden their experience doing work that is different from what they do at the police department but is tailored to their skills and interests.
- PERF benefits from having bright, up-and-coming police executives in our offices, sharing their real-world perspectives on our various projects.
- And the Police Department benefits when the Fellow returns home having gained contacts in Washington and around the country and armed with a broader view about the issues the department is facing.
We are currently accepting applications for the next six-month fellowship. PERF shares the cost of this program with the sponsoring police agency. PERF provides a furnished apartment in suburban Washington where the Fellow resides and pays for any PERF-related travel expenses, and the police department continues to pay the Fellow's salary.
We believe that this program, which began in 1986, offers Fellows a rich, interesting experience, mainly because PERF always has many different projects going, and our Fellows are encouraged to contribute to as many of them as they can. For example, in 2010 PERF has had projects on violent crime and guns; the role of local police in immigration enforcement; the impact of the economic crisis on policing; use of force; policing major events; and many other issues. Depending on the Fellow's interests and the available PERF projects, a Fellow may work with federal agencies, Congress, and the White House, with local police agencies across the nation, or both.
Over the years we have had fellows from numerous agencies including: Minneapolis, Dallas, Boston, Arlington (TX), Baltimore County, Houston, San Jose, Edmonton, Calgary, Northern Ireland, London, and New Zealand.
Furthermore, PERF has various functions--conducting research in policing, performing management studies of police departments, developing "best practice" policies, producing publications, and other functions. So we are able to arrange a good "fit" between the background and skills of a particular Fellow and the type of work the Fellow may undertake.
I hope you will think about whether there is someone in your department who would benefit from the PERF Fellowship experience, and will consider sending us a nomination. We will review all nominations and interview qualified candidates to determine if their interests and PERF's are compatible.
Other Duties
Fellows may assist with planning, coordinating or moderating workshops or special activities at PERF's annual meeting. PERF projects in the past have involved work with federal agencies, Congress and White House staff. Other duties may include the provision of technical assistance and information to police departments around the nation. The nature of activities will differ from fellow to fellow depending upon PERF's current projects and the fellow's individual expertise.
Eligibility
Mid- to upper-level managers (sworn or civilian) with significant field and/or administrative experience may be nominated for the fellowship program.
Nomination Process
PERF's Research Fellowship Committee reviews all fellowship nominations, and may invite nominees to the PERF office for an interview.
To apply, please mail or e-mail:
1. A letter of personal interest including which of the three areas (Research, Management Services or CFA) you would be most interested in.
2. A résumé to:
1120 Connecticut Ave., NW, # 930Washington, DC, 20036RNeuburger@policeforum.org
For more information, contact Rebecca by email or at 202-454-8300.
