Hiram Grau, Director

Hiram Grau was appointed Director of the Illinois State Police by Governor Pat Quinn on April 11, 2011. He was unanimously confirmed by the Illinois State Legislature on April 13, 2011, and the first Hispanic to be named. Prior to that appointment, Grau was the Deputy Chief of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office of Investigations Bureau, where he oversaw the Narcotics/Special and Municipal Investigations Division. Grau joined the State’s Attorney’s Office on January 5, 2009.

Director Grau was formerly the National Security Director for the Merchandise Mart Properties, Incorporated, where he was responsible for implementing security programs and establishing security offices for all of the Merchandise Mart properties across the country.

A 28 year veteran of the Chicago Police Department, Grau spent 28 years with the Chicago Police Department in numerous commands before retiring in 2008 as the Acting First Deputy in charge of the day to day operations of the Department.

In 2003, Grau was named Deputy Superintendent of the Bureau of Investigative Services where he was in charge of 2,300 officers in the detective and organized crime divisions. As Deputy Superintendent for the Bureau of Technical Services, Grau was responsible for managing a $60M budget, directing capital development projects and resource allocation. A vast majority of Grau’s career was spent in narcotics and gang crime investigations. He served as Deputy Chief of Organized Crime where he supervised the Asset Forfeiture divisions and narcotics and gang intelligence operations.

Director Grau also spent nine years on the FBI’s Street Gang Investigation Squad and was subsequently promoted to Commander of the Chicago Police Department’s Gang Investigation’s Unit. Working with other local and federal law enforcement agencies, Grau introduced “Target 21,” targeting 21 of the worst gang leaders in Chicago. Over a period of two years, the multi-agency collaboration prosecuted 16 high ranking gang leaders.

Grau joined the Chicago Police Department in 1981 and worked as a patrolman, tactical officer, gang crime specialist (detective), undercover narcotics officer, sergeant and lieutenant watch commander.

He was promoted to District Commander of the 14th (Shakespeare) District where he developed strong community relationships and implemented a number of successful crime fighting strategies that targeted street gangs, robberies, prostitution and formulated an enforcement plan to address problematic nightclub activity.

Director Grau holds a bachelor’s degree in criminal/social justice from Lewis University and a master’s degree in business administration from St. Xavier University. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and the City of Chicago Executive Development Program.

Grau is affiliated with numerous civic and community organizations and has served as Past President of the St. Jude Police League; a former professor at Adler School of Psychology (Police Leadership Course); guest lecturer at the Vietnam Veterans Museum; and a former Leadership Course Instructor for the Chicago Police Department’s Executive Development Program.

Throughout his law enforcement career, Grau has received hundreds of special commendations, honorable mentions and recognition awards that include 12 Department Commendations; 102 Honorable Mentions, A Special Commendation Award; A Chicago Police Department Unit Meritorious Award; A Cook County State’s Attorney’s Recognition Award; An FBI Appreciation Award; An FBI Chicago Joint Task Force on Gangs Award of Merit; A Joint Operations Award; and hundreds of Complimentary Letters.

Director Grau is a decorated Vietnam veteran and the recipient of 4 medals serving the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division. He has received numerous awards and honors for his dedicated public service and law enforcement achievements.

He and his wife have a daughter who is a school teacher and a son who is a recent graduate from DePaul University.