What does a career in law enforcement actually look like beyond the patrol car? For University of South Carolina students, one day this fall offers a chance to find out firsthand.
On Thursday, Oct. 29, the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department will once again host students through USC‘s “Spurs Up” shadow day program. We sat down with Sgt. Dan Rusinyak, who schedules the day’s agenda, to talk about what students can expect and why the day matters.
Bridging the gap between classroom and workplace
This year marks the department’s fourth time partnering with USC on the event, and LCSD was one of the first agencies to take part.
“This event allows us to help students with career exploration and to bridge that gap between classroom and workplace by allowing those students to experience various professions in a real-world environment.”
The day runs from about 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Deputies from specialized units, including major crimes, crime scene investigations, victim advocacy and the drone team, spend time with students, sharing what their work involves and answering questions.
More than what you see on the road
For Sgt. Rusinyak, the value of the day goes beyond a tour of the department. It’s a chance for students to see the people behind the badge.
“It really fosters very good relationships with them to let them know that we are more than just what they see on the road in marked patrol cars. Programs such as internships, ride-alongs and job shadows really do help us with being more human.”
Hearing it from current interns
One of the highlights of the day comes from students just like them. Three of the department’s current interns, usually from the visiting school, share what they’ve done and learned during their time with LCSD. Sgt. Rusinyak then walks students through what the internship program involves.
Interested students can apply for spring, summer or fall internships. Many college programs require an internship to graduate, but Sgt. Rusinyak says plenty of students apply even when it isn’t required, because they know the experience is invaluable.
During an internship, students can go on ride-alongs, spend time with major crimes investigators and special operations, and see how the department serves the community day to day.
From shadow day to a career
The results speak for themselves. “Spurs Up” shadow day has led to internships and, for some students, full-time careers.
“We have done very well with having these USC students go from ‘Spurs Up’ shadow day to internship and then segue right into employment. We actually just hired three from ‘Spurs Up.'”
Discovering Lexington County
Many USC students come from out of state and spend most of their time on campus in the heart of Columbia. Crossing the river into Lexington County can be an eye-opening experience.
“To come over here to Lexington County and see what we have to offer, they see just how amazing the county is. They can see the Sheriff’s Department and what we have to offer, they can see the county and all the resources that we have. It’s really a win-win.”
How to get involved
USC students who want to attend ‘Spurs Up’ shadow day Oct. 29 can register through the USC Career Center on Handshake. USC criminal justice students can also ask their professors for more information.
Students interested in an internship, or anyone curious about a career with the department, can contact Sgt. Rusinyak at drusinyak@lcsd.sc.gov.
Ready to explore what’s next? Visit JoinLCSD.com to learn more about careers with the Lexington County Sheriff’s Department.