52 additional Cadets currently receiving training as members of Cadet Class 113

SPRINGFIELD - Illinois State Police (ISP) Director Larry G. Trent, on behalf of Governor Rod R. Blagojevich, today announced the graduation of Cadet Class 112. These 54 new Troopers join the additional 220 Troopers who have graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy under Governor Blagojevich’s administration.

“One of government’s most important responsibilities is to keep the public safe. Our State Police play a critical role in that effort, from patrolling our highways to cracking down on internet crime,” said Gov. Blagojevich. “I want to thank these new Troopers for committing themselves to public service and being willing to put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe.”

Cadet Class 112 began training on June 4, 2006, and was the third class to attend the ISP Academy in Fiscal Year 2006. 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.

"We're always proud of the men and women who successfully complete the demands of our rigorous training at the Illinois State Police Academy,” stated Director Larry Trent. “These newly commissioned officers are well-prepared to serve and protect the citizens of Illinois and keep our highway safe for all travelers.”

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 our state:

District 2, Elgin	12 officers
District Chicago	8 officers
District 5, Joliet	6 officers
District 6, Pontiac	6 officers
District 16, Pecatonica	5 officers
District 18, Litchfield	3 officers
District 8, Metamora	2 officers
District 10, Pesotum	2 officers
District 11, Collinsville	2 officers
District 12, Effingham	2 officers
District 21, Ashkum	2 officers
District 1, Sterling	1 officer
District 7, Moline	1 officer
District 19, Carmi	1 officer
District 20, Pittsfield	1 officer

Director Trent also announced that 52 Cadets are currently in the 17th week of the 26-week intensive training period as members of Cadet Class 113. Class members reported to the ISP Academy on August 6, 2006, and are scheduled to graduate on February 2, 2007.

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.