This summer, Stephen Plotke gained firsthand experience in federal law enforcement through an internship with the U.S. Marshals Service. A junior in the School of Diplomacy and International Relations, Stephen worked with the agency’s New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force, supporting operations that play a vital role in public safety and interagency coordination.
In his role, Stephen managed sensitive criminal and investigative case files, coordinated prisoner schedules and warrants, and maintained inventory and operational records. He also provided support to Deputy U.S. Marshals and Task Force Officers, assisting in readiness trainings and exercises for the Explosives Detection K-9 unit and the Regional Fugitive Task Force. One of his most significant contributions involved helping to reorganize and streamline the management system for archived criminal and investigative files, improving efficiency and accessibility for ongoing operations.
Stephen credits the experience with strengthening his understanding of evolving security threats and the importance of information management in law enforcement. It also enhanced his situational awareness and appreciation for the teamwork required in field operations. He noted that his previous internship with the Office of U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer prepared him well for handling constituent communications and casework, skills that proved valuable in a fast-paced federal agency setting.
In the classroom, Stephen’s coursework has complemented his professional experiences. Classes such as International Conflict and Security and Comparative Homeland Security helped him develop a deeper understanding of U.S. law enforcement systems, policy writing, and interagency coordination knowledge he directly applied in his internship.
Looking ahead, Stephen plans to pursue a career in federal law enforcement, ideally within the U.S. Intelligence Community. His experiences with Congress, the U.S. Marshals Service, and now the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission have provided a strong foundation for his goal of serving the nation through public service and national security work. Stephen credits his internship experience as well as his studies at Seton Hall with preparing him for a career in public service.
The School of Diplomacy congratulates Stephen on his achievements and thanks him for representing Seton Hall with professionalism, integrity, and commitment to service.
