Springfield, IL (CHAMBANA TODAY) – The Illinois State Police welcomed eight new troopers Friday at a graduation ceremony at the ISP Academy in Springfield, marking the 24th cadet class to graduate under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Cadet Class 153 was a 14-week lateral entry program, meaning all eight graduates were already certified police officers with at least two years of full-time law enforcement experience. Training covered a range of topics including cultural diversity, procedural justice, de-escalation tactics, domestic violence response, firearms, criminal law, and juvenile law, among others.
Following the academy, new troopers are required to complete an additional 14 weeks of one-on-one field training with ISP Field Training Officers before advancing to solo patrol status, bringing total training to 28 weeks.
The eight troopers will report to five locations across the state Sunday, April 12, assigned as follows: three to Troop 3 in Chicago, two to Troop 5 in Pontiac and Ashkum, and one each to Troop 4 in Macomb and Metamora, Troop 8 in Collinsville, and Troop 10 in Du Quoin and Ullin.
“Integrity, service, and pride are the core values of ISP,” said Director Kelly. “These new Troopers believe in the mission and see the vision, and I’m proud to welcome each one of them to one of the premier policing agencies in the country.”
Since 2019, 721 troopers have joined the Illinois State Police. New troopers earn approximately $90,000 in compensation upon graduation. Those interested in applying can visit illinoistrooper.com.
