During the Fall 2013 academic semester, I served as an intern at the Fort Worth Police Department. My time as a criminal justice major at Texas Christian University gave me the tools necessary to understand how the justice system works. However, the field practice and experiences I received working in the recruiting department of the Fort Worth Police Department have helped me better understand how effective and beneficial law enforcement is to our communities and the maintenance of society . Moving forward in my field of study post TCU, I had never really thought sincerely about where I might land a profession in the criminal justice field. The department is a very large field, with thriving resources that are critical to implementing laws. Initially, I was drawn to the therapeutic/rehabilitative side of criminal justice as a juvenile counselor or probation facilitator. I like helping others and being an active listener, through skills and methods acquired from my communication studies course. Going into the internship, my eyes were opened to all the field opportunities present that are often overlooked. Police work is not an easy task and actually tests an individual's physical and mental stability. My process as an intern began with my service at the Fort Worth Police Academy. During my time at the Academy, I got to know many officers individually. During our conversations, I noticed that each of the men and women were drawn to the field because of their own personal beliefs or goals. It was during my first tenure at the academy that I developed an inside look at law enforcement professionals. Recruitment is the basis of how a population or group sustains its numbers, which... middle of paper... ...rk forces after the next semester. While my interest may not lie in wanting to pursue a career as a police officer, there are other laudable departments that should be explored. For the future I would recommend my experience to anyone intending to undertake an internship. The one thing that sets Fort Worth units apart from any other law enforcement department is the chemistry the people on duty have towards their work. It's like joining another family unit working towards a family goal. Leaving my position as an intern I feel touched by all the experiences I have had and the people I have met. Showing up to work many days I felt like I was part of that force myself, attending the academy to one day graduate and serve my city. I feel like the Fort Worth Police Department would be the right place for me, or anyone else who wants to join a family unit driven to serve and protect others.