GOVERNOR CUTS RIBBON ON NEW STATE-OF-THE-ART ILLINOIS STATE POLICE FACILITY

DuQuoin, Ill. - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich, along with other state and local dignitaries, attended a ribbon cutting ceremony today at the new Illinois State Police (ISP) District 13 headquarters in DuQuoin.  The new facility will serve the law enforcement needs of the citizens of Franklin, Jackson, Jefferson, Perry, Randolph, Washington, and Williamson counties.

"Our state police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep the people of Illinois safe.  It's our duty, as government officials, to give them the resources and facilities they need to do their job effectively," said Blagojevich.  "I'm happy to be in DuQuoin today to celebrate this accomplishment with the people of Southern Illinois."     

The present district headquarters was built in 1935 and was designated as a radio station and contained a communication center, administrative offices, repair shop, and small garage.  The new building will remedy the structural and safety concerns which existed with the 65 year-old headquarters.  The modern $5.6 million facility is located south of the existing District 13 headquarters, and at 32,810 square feet, provides more than six times the working area of the present structure.  The building systems include state-of-the-art emergency power back up, improved security, audio-visual conferencing, and the latest in radio communications consoles, among other enhanced features.     

"The new headquarters will allow the Illinois State Police to continue protecting the citizens of Southern Illinois by utilizing the state-of-the-art structure and equipment," said ISP Director Larry G. Trent.  "The new structure also allows for the consolidation of more than 100 district personnel assigned to patrol, investigations, radio dispatch and communications, forensic services, and administrative functions under one roof."

The State Police expect to move into the new headquarters in one month.