The Illinois State Police welcomed 20 new troopers Friday during a graduation ceremony for Cadet Class 152 at the ISP Academy in Springfield.
The new troopers will report to their assigned posts across the state. Cadet Class 152 marks the 25th graduating class under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, a total of 741 troopers have joined the agency.
“On behalf of the State of Illinois, I’d like to congratulate Cadet Class 152 on their graduation,” Pritzker said. “These 20 new troopers embody the integrity and pride that shape our premier state police force, and I commend them for their indispensable service.”
Kelly called the ceremony “another momentous day” for the department, noting it was the second graduating class this month.
“As these 20 new troopers raise their hands and take the oath, they are choosing a path of service defined by duty and purpose,” Kelly said. “Today, I am proud to call them Illinois State Police troopers.”
Cadet Class 152 completed a rigorous 27-week training program that included both classroom and physical instruction. Training covered topics such as cultural diversity, procedural justice, domestic violence response, de-escalation techniques, firearms, first responder certification, arrest tactics, criminal law, the Illinois Vehicle Code, and more.
Following academy training, cadets will undergo an additional 14 weeks of field training alongside Field Training Officers, bringing total training time to 41 weeks before advancing to solo patrol status.
The new troopers have been assigned to the following troop areas:
Troop 2 (LaSalle/Moline): 10 troopers
Troop 3 (Chicago): 9 troopers
Troop 8 (Collinsville): 1 trooper
Starting compensation for new troopers is approximately $90,000 annually upon graduation from the academy.
Those interested in joining the Illinois State Police are encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board website for application information.