HIGH SCHOOL

INTERNSHIPS

       The Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office (MCPO) offers an intern program which provides meaningful opportunities for high school students interested in criminal justice, law enforcement or the practice of law to participate in the operation of a busy prosecutor’s office responsible for “the detection, arrest, indictment and conviction of offenders against the laws.” N.J.S.A. 2A:158-5.

At present, the MCPO consists of 39 attorneys, 58 detectives and agents and an administrative support staff.  The MCPO has primary prosecution authority over indictable criminal offenses committed within Mercer County.  Unlike some other states, prosecutor’s offices in New Jersey do not handle DWI cases, minor criminal offenses or traffic violations, except as ancillary to indictable prosecutions.  The MCPO handles thousands of criminal matters each year, from death-penalty murder trials to appeals from municipal court speeding convictions, and related matters including civil forfeitures and Megan’s Law (sex offender notification) proceedings. 

Mercer County is a sophisticated and dynamic jurisdiction having a heterogeneous population of approximately 329,000 persons residing in 13 diverse municipalities, including an urban core, the City of Trenton, suburbs, such as Princeton, and rural areas. 

Work assignments for high school interns are available in two general areas, legal or investigative.  Within those general areas, assignments are made based upon the particular interests of the student, if any, and the needs of the MCPO. 

Without intending to be all-inclusive, intern opportunities exist in the following areas:  

1.    Grand Jury/Screening Unit – Interns prepare case files for presentation to grand jury or alternate dispositions and assist with unit administrative functions.           

2.       Rape and Child Abuse Unit – Interns prepare case files for grand jury presentation and assist with unit administrative functions and victim contact. 

3.       Domestic Violence Unit – Interns prepare case files for grand jury presentation, prepare firearms return memos and assist with unit administrative tasks. 

4.       Megan’s Law Unit - Interns assist in classifying defendants regarding sex offender notification and unit administrative functions. 

5.       Fugitive Unit – Interns perform administrative tasks and research regarding defendants who have outstanding bench warrants. 

                 6.   Forfeiture Unit – Interns assist with preparing civil complaints for court filing or assist with processing of court orders and forfeited property.    

Finally, all high school interns have the opportunity to watch court proceedings and observe the day-to-day workings of the MCPO, learning from and sharing experiences with the legal, investigative and support staffs. 

All high school internships are volunteer only.  The MCPO cooperates with all high schools regarding their specific requirements for internships or “work/study” programs.  Internships are available during semesters and during the summer, part-time and full-time. 

Interested persons should send a letter and resume to Angelo Onofri, Administrative First Assistant Prosecutor, Mercer County Prosecutor’s Office, P.O. Box 8068, Trenton, NJ 08650.   The application process for all interns also requires a personal interview, the filling out of a comprehensive questionnaire and successful completion of a background investigation. 

Anyone having additional questions may contact Administrative Assistant Prosecutor Onofri  ((609) 989-6311/ aonofri@mercercounty.org).

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