ISP Rebuilds with 368 New Troopers Added Since 2019
SPRINGFIELD, IL-(Effingham Radio)- The Illinois State Police (ISP) today commissioned 42 new Troopers from Cadet Class 138 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The total number of ISP troopers added since 2019 now stands at 368. The new Troopers will report to two ISP patrol districts on Monday, December 19, 2022.
Cadet Class 138 marks the 10th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker. The Governor’s Fiscal Year 2023 budget for ISP is the largest in ISP history and allows for an additional 300 new Troopers.
“Today, I would like to congratulate our 42 newest Troopers from Cadet Class 138 at the Illinois State Police Academy,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Over the last 28 weeks, these great women and men have dedicated their time and energy for the sole purpose of serving the people of Illinois and securing their safety. With inclusive training courses like Cultural Diversity, Critical Incident Response, and Juvenile Law, these Cadets, now Troopers, have proved their readiness to protect Illinoisians.”
“Cadet Class 138 is the fourth class to graduate during ISP’s Centennial year and its graduation signifies a continued commitment to rebuilding ISP,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “ISP is taking a data driven approach to allocating resources, the greatest being our Troopers, and is assigning these new Troopers to areas of the state where we can have a greater impact on combating violent crime. ISP remains committees to serving all communities statewide.”
The 42 newest Troopers have completed a demanding 28-week program of physical and classroom instruction, which included training in Cultural Diversity, Procedural Justice, Domestic Violence, Critical Incident Response, De-escalation Tactics, Firearms, First Responder Certification, Control and Arrest Tactics, Illinois Vehicle Code, Criminal Law, Motor Carrier Safety, Juvenile Law, and more.
In addition to the 28-week Academy training, Troopers are required to participate in one‑on‑one mentoring with Field Training Officers as part of a 14-week field training program, expanding their total training to 42 weeks. Troopers who successfully complete the field training program advance to solo-patrol status.
The new officers are assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties, joining veteran Troopers in the effort to safeguard the public and Illinois roadways.
- District Chicago, 32 Cadets
- District 11 Collinsville, 10 Cadets
The ISP Academy is one of the most respected and recognized training facilities in the country. Dozens of law enforcement agencies use the ISP Academy curriculum to meet standards set forth by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. Earlier this year, the ISP Academy became the first Academy in the nation to adopt the National Association of the Advancement of Colored People “Ten Shared Principles.”
Anyone interested in joining the ranks of Illinois State Police is encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board (ISPMB) website at www.illinoistrooper.com for application information.
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