McLean County Times

State Rep. Lance Yednock (D-Ottawa) wants residents to be aware about opportunities to serve their community.

“The Illinois State Police Merit Board is processing applications for Cadet Class 137 and 138,” Yednock recently posted on Facebook. “Cadet Class 137 is scheduled to begin in June 2022. Cadet Class 138 is scheduled to begin in October 2022. Visit the Cadet Applicant Process page for more information.”

The deadline to apply and submit all documents for CC 137 was Jan. 21, 2022, but the deadline for CC 138 is April 1, 2022.

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is encouraging residents from diverse communities to apply for both traditional courses, along with a fast-track class that offers certified police officers an opportunity to become Illinois state troopers through participation in an accelerated training program.

“These new classes build on significant efforts to bolster the ranks of the Illinois State Police under the Pritzker Administration,” ISP said in a press release.

Over the last three years, the state has fielded 235 troopers with three cadet classes – Cadet Class (CC) 129, CC 130, and CC 131 – and these three additional cadet classes will sustain the effort to rebuild the Illinois State Police.

 “My administration continues rebuilding our state police force, prioritizing substantial funding for additional troopers in my tenure as governor,” said Gov. J.B. Pritzker. “These three new cadet classes offer Illinoisans a unique opportunity to attend the prestigious Illinois State Police Academy and leave with a heightened understanding of what it means to lead and serve.”

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said investments are being made toward the Illinois State Police's future.

“As the Illinois State Police continue to rebuild, we are focused on what has always been our greatest strength – our people, the brave souls who volunteer to protect our communities across this state every day,” he said. “Despite the obstacles of the last two years, budgets have been stable, investments are being made in our future, we have kept the academy running and we are advancing forward to meet the public safety challenges of our second century as one of the most professional agencies in the country.”