Springfield – Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Leo P. Schmitz commissioned 81 Troopers this morning during the Cadet Class 127 graduation ceremony at Hope Church in Springfield, Illinois. The new Troopers will report to ISP patrol districts throughout the state on Monday, August 13, 2018. Governor Bruce Rauner, Director Schmitz, and ISP command staff welcomed the new Troopers after delivering the Oath of an Officer before family and friends.

"These new officers are now tasked with continuing the proud legacy of the ISP, to strive for excellence in all that they do while serving and protecting the people of Illinois," stated Director Leo P. Schmitz. “The ISP is pleased to welcome them into our law enforcement family,” added Director Schmitz.

Members of Cadet Class 127 underscored their commitment to becoming part of “Illinois’ Finest” by fundraising for the Special Olympics Illinois and donating 56 units of blood to the Central Illinois Community Blood Center.

The Troopers have completed a demanding 26-week regimen of physical and classroom instruction which included training in Cultural Diversity, Procedural Justice, Domestic Violence, Critical Incident Response, Firearms, First Responder Certification, Control and Arrest Tactics, Illinois Vehicle Code, Criminal Law, Motor Carrier Safety, Juvenile Law, and more.

In addition to the 26-week academy training, probationary Troopers are required to participate in one-on-one mentoring with Field Training Officers (FTOs) under a 14-week field training program, expanding their training to 40 weeks. Probationary Troopers who successfully complete the field training program are advanced to solo-patrol status.

The new officers 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 Illinois roadways:

· District 1 Sterling, 3 cadets

· District 2 Elgin, 2 cadets

· District Chicago-Des Plaines, 19 cadets

· District 5 Lockport, 11 cadets

· District 6 Pontiac , 4 cadets

· District 7 East Moline, 5 cadets

· District 8 Metamora , 4 cadets

· District 10 Pesotum, 10 cadets

· District 11 Collinsville, 1 cadet

· District 12 Effingham, 2 cadets

· District 14 Macomb, 3 cadets

· District 16 Pecatonica, 5 cadets

· District 17 La Salle, 1 cadet

· District 19 Carmi, 1 cadet

· District 20 Pittsfield, 1 cadet

· District 21 Ashkum, 5 cadets

· District 22 Ullin, 4 cadets

The ISP Academy is one of the most respected and recognized training facilities in the country. Dozens of law enforcement agencies also use the ISP Academy curriculum to meet standards set forth by the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board.

Anyone interested in joining the ranks of the Illinois State Police is encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board website at www.illinoistrooper.com for application information.