"It has been said that the Illinois State Police Academy is the
best thing that you will never want to experience again. I do not know
the author, however, I subscribe wholeheartedly to this theory. The Academy
is a defining event in a lifetime. At 90-years-old, you will still remember
the experiences, the camaraderie, and the friendships that develop with
perfect clarity. The knowledge gained about yourself, as well as about
this career, is immeasurable." - Cadet # 4928
Cadets are housed in large open-bay dormitories with approximately
30 bunk-style beds. Each cadet is assigned to a bed and shares a wall
locker with another cadet. At 5:30 a.m., cadets are awakened to shower
and dress. Breakfast is served at 6:00 a.m. Cadets line up outside
the cafeteria and enter the dining area in single formation. Inspection
begins at 7:00 a.m. T.A.C. staff inspect the cadets -- and their living
quarters -- on a daily basis. Discrepancies in neatness, orderliness,
cleanliness or regulation are noted and corrected. Classes begin at
8 a.m. and continue until 5:30 p.m. with breaks every hour and a one-hour
break for lunch.
Each day the cadets participate in one hour of physical training. The
regimented Physical Training Program is emphasized from the time the cadets
report to the Academy. Their daily routine includes running, exercising
and weight lifting. Cadets are periodically tested in flexibility, abdominal
strength, upper body strength and cardiovascular endurance. Upon graduation,
all cadets must meet the minimum standards in each of these categories.
Dinner is typically served at 5:30 p.m. After dinner, the cadets have
supervised study time unless there is necessity for remedial classes.
Only emergency messages are to be received by the cadets. The cadets'
day ceases at 10 p.m. with "lights out."
During the week, the cadets spend all of their time at the Academy. The
cadet class coordinator will release the cadets for weekend liberty on
Friday night at 5:30 p.m. They usually report back to the Academy at or
before 7:00 p.m. Sunday evening.
The ISP Academy is proud of the national reputation it has earned and
is looking forward to carrying this tradition into the 21st century. The
Academy will continue to challenge itself -- using the same philosophy
as its focus: "How can we do, what we do, even better?"
