Illinois State Police are reporting initial positive results in moving from 21 patrol districts to 11 patrol troops.
The goal of the move is to enable more officers to be available to respond to calls for service 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.
ISP Director Brendan Kelly says the modernized structure will allow ISP to better meet the needs of the public while combating a shortage of law enforcement officers seen across the country.
During a program this week to unveil the new Effingham-based Troop Nine Guidon, Kelly noted the success in the first month of the reorganization.
“In this troop alone in January 2023, Troop Nine saw a 17 percent increase in enforcement action and an 11 percent decrease in crashes handled compared to the same geographic area during January 2022. That’s what during a time of great testing and scrutiny of law enforcement in this nation, we say bring it on. While others wring their hands, we are rebuilding. While others retreat, we are advancing. While others are fretting over crime, we are fighting crime. While others question, we have answers.”
Statewide, State Police reported an 11 percent in traffic stops, an 18 percent increase in enforcement action (citations and warnings), and a 9 percent decrease in traffic crashes.
Kelly notes over ISP’s century of existence, borders, and organizational structures for patrol have changed and evolved several times to meet the law enforcement demands of the day.
Troop Nine will cover Marion, Clay, Fayette, Wayne, Effingham, Clark, Crawford, Cumberland, Edwards, Hamilton, Jasper, Lawrence, Wabash, and White Counties.
DuQuion will be the troop headquarters for deep Southern Illinois.
All ISP Headquarters buildings will remain open and public access to services will not change.
