Recruitment - Division of the Academy and Training

Become a Trooper

The Illinois State Police Merit Boardis responsible for certifying applicants to the Illinois State Police for appointment. To apply to become an Illinois State Police Trooper, visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board Opens in new window website.

Traditional Applicant Flyer
Lateral Eligible Applicant Flyer

Benefits

Compensation and Financial Benefits:

Salary: As of 7/1/2026, upon successful completion of the Academy, a first-year Trooper's base salary is $90,828 which is competitive with other public and private agencies. Salary increases are earned through incremental service longevity steps or promotion in rank.
Overtime
Holidays: 14 paid holidays annually.
Annual clothing and uniform allowance.
Deferred Compensation options

Insurance and Health:

Medical/Dental/Vision
Life Insurance

Time off and Retirement:

Vacation/Sick Leave: First-year Troopers earn two weeks of paid vacation annually and one sick day per month (sick time can be utilized for family members).
Retirement:
- Information available to SERS
- Tier 1: This information applies to individuals who became a member of SERS or a reciprocal system on or before December 31, 2010. The alternative formula applies to members in certain positions with 20 years of alternative service. Members eligible for the alternative formula may retire at age 50 with 25 years of service, or at age 55 with 20 years of service.
- Tier 2: This information applies to individuals who became a member of SERS or a reciprocal system after December 31, 2010. The alternative formula applies to members in certain positions with 20 years of alternative service. Members eligible for the alternative formula may retire at age 60 with 20 years of service.
Maternity/Paternity Leave: 12-weeks paid leave to use upon the birth/adoption of a child.
Bereavement Leave

Wellness Resources:

BeWell Illinois
Peer Support
Employee Assistance Program
Cadet Family Orientation
Wellness Retreat opportunities

Additional Benefits:

Equipment: Fully equipped squad car and all necessary gear provided by the Department.
Education: Earn university credits hours for academy training and tuition reimbursement programs available.
- Participating educational institutions include:
  - Eastern Illinois University
  - Governors State University
  - Illinois State University
  - Northern Illinois University
  - Southern Illinois University Carbondale
  - Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
  - Western Illinois University
  - The American Public University
  - University of Maryland Global Campus
Career advancement opportunities
Opportunities for specialty positions statewide

Meet a Recruiter

For general recruitment questions, please contact ISP.Recruitment@illinois.gov or any of our recruitment team members listed below.

For general recruitment questions, please contact ISP.Recruitment@illinois.gov or any of our recruitment team members listed below

Master Sergeant Elizabeth Clausing

Master Sergeant Clausing currently supervises the Recruitment Section and is involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment and Internship program statewide. She joined the Illinois State Police in July 2017 after serving at Western Illinois University Police Department for five years. Her previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – District 2 Patrol, Safety Education Officer, Office of the Director – Public Information Office, Division of Patrol Troop 15 Staff Officer, Troop 3 Patrol Sergeant, and the Division of the Academy and Training - Recruitment.

Sergeant Tracy Lillard

Social Media Liaison

Sergeant Lillard currently serves as the Recruitment Section Social Media Liaison and is involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment social media platforms. She promotes and advertises civilian and sworn career opportunities and internship program opportunities. She joined the Illinois State Police in March 2001. Her previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – Troop 15, Division of Patrol – Troop 7, Patrol and Safety Education Officer, Office of the Director – Public Information Office, and the Division of the Academy and Training - Recruitment.

Portrait of Trooper Howard Purdue — Sergeant Howard Purdue

Sergeant Howard Purdue

Central Recruitment & Internship Coordinator

Trooper Purdue currently serves as the Central Recruitment & Internship Coordinator and is involved in assisting with the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment and Internship program in the central part of the State. He joined the Illinois State Police in May of 2009. His previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – District 18; Division of Patrol – District 9; Division of the Academy and Training – Physical Skills Bureau, and the Division of the Academy and Training – Recruitment Bureau. Trooper Purdue served in the United States Navy for 6 years. While in the Illinois State Police he received the honor of Trooper of the Year in 2016 for District 9.

Trooper David Jacobs

Central Recruitment Specialist

Trooper Jacobs currently serves as the Central Recruitment Specialist and is involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment in the central part of the State. He joined the Illinois State Police in November 2013. His previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – District 7; Division of Patrol – District 20; Division of Forensic Services – Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit, and the Division of the Academy and Training – Recruitment Bureau. Trooper Jacobs is a 28-year Veteran of the United States Army Reserve and a recipient of the Illinois State Police Medal of Valor.

Sergeant Marcus Nettles

Northern Recruitment & Internship Coordinator

Sergeant Nettles currently serves as the Northern Recruitment & Internship Coordinator and is involved in assisting with the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment and Internship program in the northern part of the State. He joined the Illinois State Police in September of 2012. His previous assignment include: Division of Patrol – Troop 3 and Division of Academy and Training – Recruitment Section. Trooper Nettles worked in various units and is a recipient of the Illinois State Police Problem Solving ribbon.

Trooper Joshua Williams

Northern Recruitment Specialist

Trooper Williams currently serves as the Northern Recruitment Specialist and is involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment and Internship program in the northern part of the state. He joined the Illinois State Police in February 2018. His previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – District 5, Division of Academy and Training – Cadet Class Counselor, Division of Academy and Training – Practical Exercises Specialist, Division of Academy and Training – Recruitment Section, and Division of Internal Investigation – Northern Command Special Agent.

Trooper Stephaun Mosley

Northern Recruitment Specialist

Trooper Marivon Ampier

Southern Recruitment Specialist

Marivon.T.Ampier@illinois.gov

Trooper Ampier currently serves as the Southern Recruitment Specialist and is involved in the promotion and maintenance of the Illinois State Police Recruitment in the southern part of the State. She joined the Illinois State Police in October 2022. Her previous assignments include: Division of Patrol – Troop 8 and the Division of the Academy and Training – Recruitment Bureau. Trooper Ampier is currently serving and has been in the Illinois Army National Guard for over 15 years.