Inside the LPD College Internship Program

Season 5 kicks off with a new voice behind the mic! Join Sergeant Matthew Santerre of the Lafayette Police Department as he steps in as the new host of the podcast, bringing firsthand experience, leadership insight, and a passion for mentorship to the conversation. In this episode, Sgt. Santerre sits down with Fall 2025 intern Alex Amado and current intern Carissa Aiello to take listeners behind the scenes of the LPD College Internship Program. From ride alongs and real world case exposure to mentorship and career preparation, they share what it’s really like to learn the profession from the inside. As a former intern himself who rose through the ranks to become a sergeant, Sgt. Santerre offers a full circle perspective on how the program helps shape future law enforcement professionals, and why investing in students today strengthens our department tomorrow.