Fall 2026 - Policy Intern, Redefining Public Safety

About The Team

Redefining Public Safety (RPS) Initiative aims to create a paradigm shift in how public safety is defined and achieved in the United States by helping build and sustain community-centered solutions and discontinuing harmful policies in our current enforcement-centered systems. Using empirical research, technical assistance, and policy expertise, the RPS team is working to achieve:

• Building and institutionalizing public safety infrastructure outside the criminal legal system to coordinate community-centered public safety ecosystems;
• Expanding alternative response programs to address the range of health and social needs that come to the attention of 911 call centers;
• Moving the needle on crime and public safety narrative through comprehensive metrics and educating the public and lawmakers on evidence-based solutions.

About The Role

The Policy Intern will assist the Redefining Public Safety (RPS) team with executing high-level strategies related to our policy and advocacy goals. With this dual focus, the Policy Intern will gain considerable knowledge in the emerging best practices related to public safety and will gain expertise by developing a range of comprehensive approaches and legislative solutions to safety. In particular, the Policy Intern will contribute to final projects such as translating complex research and strategy materials into digestible formats (such as fact sheets and policy briefs), and conducting fact checks and media monitors. The Policy Intern will provide drafting and other administrative capacities as well.

Qualifications

• Currently pursuing a Master's Degree in Political Science, Public Policy, Public Administration or related field, Juris Doctorate, or demonstrated commitment to and experience with strategy building for social, political, or policy change.
• Experience working in government, law office, think tanks, or related field.
• Lived experience in the criminal legal system preferred.
• Experience tracking legislation and news preferred.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge, Skills, & Abilities You'll Bring:
• Strong interpersonal communication skills;
• Ability to translate technical information into easily digestible summaries;
• Strong understanding of political landscape and legislative affairs;
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity and inclusion.

Location

Please note this role will report to our Brooklyn, NY office. Vera employees adhere to a hybrid schedule and are in-office on an alternating schedule that generally amounts to 10 days per month for full-time positions.

Compensation And Benefits

The compensation range for this position is $17.00 - $25.00 per hour. Actual salaries will vary depending on factors including but not limited to experience and performance.