The starting pay for new Illinois State Police recruits is getting a major upgrade in an effort to attract the best future troopers to protect our state.

Do You Have What It Takes to Become a Police Officer?

I've said it before, and I will say it again; it takes a special kind of person to be a police officer.

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The things they see and experience on the job are things many of us hope to never see in our lives, yet they continue to serve our communities. They miss family functions and special moments to do the job, and many continue to help those in need in their free time too.

It takes a strong, dedicated person to make a good police officer, and right now the Illinois State Police are on a mission to recruit the very best of the best.

Illinois State Police Announce New Recruit Incentive

In a move aimed to attract top-tier talent, the Illinois State Police have announced a significant increase in the starting salary for new recruits, soaring to just over $90,000 annually.

Illinois State Police Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a recent press release;

ISP holds its officers to the highest standards and the compensation must reflect the value we place on the sacred work they do.

The agency hopes this proactive step will help ease the challenges of recruitment and retention faced by law enforcement agencies nationwide.

Illinois State Police via Facebook
Illinois State Police via Facebook
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Illinois State Police Trooper Requirements

All interested Illinois State Police Trooper applicants must be at least 21 years old, (20 if they have received appropriate associate's degree or completed 60 hours at a university), and meet these three basic requirements:

  • Have never been convicted of a felony
  • Must have a valid drivers license
  • Be willing to accept an assignment anywhere in Illinois

There are some cases where the education requirement to apply will be waived, read more, here.

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Stacker compiled a list of the best places to live in Illinois using data from Niche. Niche ranks places to live based on a variety of factors including cost of living, schools, health care, recreation, and weather. Cities, suburbs, and towns were included. Listings and images are from realtor.com.

On the list, there's a robust mix of offerings from great schools and nightlife to high walkability and public parks. Some areas have enjoyed rapid growth thanks to new businesses moving to the area, while others offer glimpses into area history with well-preserved architecture and museums. Keep reading to see if your hometown made the list.

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Say cheese, Illinois!

Gallery Credit: The Smoking Gu, Beleville PD, Champaign County Jail, McLean County Jail, Montgomery PD, Cook County Jail, DuPage County Jail, East Alton PD, Gurnee PD, Kendell Co. Sheriffs Dept, Lake County PD, Madison County Jail, Oak Lawn PD, Orland Park Police Dept, River Forrest PD, Roselle Police Department, Shiloh Police Dept, St Clair County Jail

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