Blagojevich Administration officials announce 51 new officers join State Police frontline with Cadet Class 113 graduation

SPRINGFIELD - On behalf of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Larry G. Trent today announced the graduation of Cadet Class 113. The 51 new Troopers join 268 other officers who have graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy under Gov. Blagojevich's administration.

"The addition of these new Troopers to the State Police's ranks will help better protect Illinois residents, while also giving us the resources to increase safety on our roads," said Gov. Blagojevich.

Members of Cadet Class 113 began their training on August 6, 2006, and were the first Cadets to attend the ISP Academy in Fiscal Year 2007. The officers went through an intensive 26-week training period, where they underwent a regimen of physical and classroom instruction, which includes training in Terrorism Awareness, Domestic Violence, Critical Incident Response, Firearms Training, First Responder Certification, Illinois Vehicle Code, Criminal Law, Motor Carrier Safety, Emergency Pursuit Driving, Juvenile Law, Police Response to Mental Illness, and more.

"As these men and women accept the oath to protect and serve the citizens of our state, I take great pride in their accomplishments as they embark in their new assignments," said Director Larry G. Trent. "With 2006 being the safest year on Illinois roadways in 80 years, the addition of these new Troopers will enhance our ability to continue to reduce traffic fatalities and save lives."

The new Troopers have been assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties, joining veteran Troopers in the effort to safeguard our state:

District 15, Tollway - 24 officers
District 2, Elgin - 5 officers
District 7, Moline - 4 officers
District 16, Pecatonica - 3 officers
District Chicago - 2 officers
District 5, Joliet - 2 officers
District 6, Pontiac - 3 officers
District 8, Metamora - 2 officers
District 11, Collinsville - 2 officers
District 9, Springfield - 1 officer
District 12, Effingham - 1 officer
District 14, Macomb - 1 officer
District 20, Pittsfield - 1 officer

After reporting to their district of assignment on Monday, each officer will begin a 14-week Field Training Program (FTP). During that time, probationary Troopers participate in one-on-one mentoring with Field Training Officers (FTO). As the 14 weeks progress, the officers are assigned to different FTOs and begin to take on more responsibility for performing the tasks on their own. Probationary Troopers who successfully complete the training with an FTO are advanced to solo-patrol status.

In June 2005, the ISP Merit Board implemented a new rule which allows an applicant's education to be considered acceptable if they have either an Associate's Degree or equivalent, and three years of continuous full-time service as a police officer with the same police agency or three years active military duty. The addition of military service as an option of work experience provides an opportunity for many veterans to join the State Police and begin a career in law enforcement.