Dean College and Franklin Police join together to offer Criminal Justice Internship

In a press release issued today, Dean College has announced the Dr. Pietro (Pete) Pete Savo Criminal Justice Internship, a new program in partnership with the Franklin Police Department. According to the college, each semester, one student from Dean College will have the opportunity to intern with the Franklin Police Department "and gain valuable experience in the field of law enforcement."  The students will be exposed to a variety of aspects pertaining to working on the force and leave with a working knowledge of next steps should they be interested in further pursing a law enforcement career.

“Dr. Savo was a tremendous educator,” said Dean College President Dr. Paula M. Rooney, as quoted in the release. “Students, staff, and faculty are all better for having known him and we are so proud to have Pete’s name on this internship.”

The internship is named in honor of Dr. Pietro (Pete) Savo, who passed away unexpectedly in June 2021. A beloved member of the Dean Community, Dr. Savo was an Assistant Professor and Program Coordinator for the Criminal Justice and Homeland Security programs at the College and was coordinating the internship with the Franklin Police Department prior to his passing. Chief of Police Thomas J. Lynch approached Dean with the desire to name the internship after Dr. Savo as a tribute to his work at the College, in the community and in the field. This is the first internship at Dean to be named in honor of an individual.

“We are eager to work with Dean College on this exciting opportunity,” Lynch stated.

The internship will be offered during both the Fall and Spring semesters. Dean College students will be able to earn three credits by completing 96 hours of work-based experience at the Franklin Police Department. Candidates will be nominated by faculty and staff, followed by a formal interview process with the Franklin Police Department for final approval.

“Dr. Savo was a teacher in every sense of the word,” said Dr. P. Gerard Shaw, Dean for the Dean College School of Business. “This internship is a tribute to his legacy and to the countless students he has impacted.”