Summer Well Spent: On Patrol

This summer, Luke Rockhold ’27 gained firsthand experience in the career he hopes to pursue after graduation through an internship with the Urbandale Police Department.

The criminal justice major worked evening patrols alongside officers, getting an inside look at the day-to-day realities of law enforcement. Rather than simply observing, Rockhold experienced the pace and unpredictability of police work.

“I arrive at the police department around 6:45 p.m. and we go through roll call and find out what area of the city we are patrolling and any important calls from the day that we need to know about,” he said. “From 7:30 pm to midnight, we patrol the streets of Urbandale. Anything from traffic stops to responding to important calls.”

The internship bolstered both his skills and his confidence in his career choice.

“I believe my internship with the Urbandale Police Department has strengthened my desire to work in law enforcement,” he said. “I am excited to keep learning and getting more experience to help me prepare for my future career.”

Rockhold also credits Simpson for preparing him professionally.

“I think the relationships with my professors and faculty have helped me develop social skills that have helped greatly during my internship,” he said. “I am better prepared to have meaningful conversations and ask important questions to help my understanding of my future career.”