SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) welcomed 20 new Troopers today from Cadet Class 152 at a graduation ceremony at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. The new Troopers will report to three ISP Troop locations throughout the state on Sunday, April 26, 2026. Cadet Class 152 marks the 25th cadet class graduation under Governor JB Pritzker and ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. Since 2019, 741 troopers have joined ISP.
“On behalf of the State of Illinois, I’d like to congratulate Cadet Class 152 on their graduation,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “These 20 new Troopers embody the integrity and pride that shape our premier State Police force, and I commend them for their indispensable service.”
“Today is another momentous day for ISP as we celebrate our second graduating class this month,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “As these 20 new Troopers raise their hands and say the ISP Oath of an Officer, they’re not just speaking words, they are affirming for all to hear that they have chosen the path of service as an officer – a life with purpose, defined by duty. Today, I am proud to call them Illinois State Police Troopers.”
Cadet Class 152 was a traditional-style class that completed a demanding 27-week program. The program consists of physical and classroom instruction, which includes training in cultural diversity, procedural justice, domesticviolence, critical incident response, de-escalation tactics, firearms, first responder certification, control and arrest tactics, Illinois vehicle code, criminal law, motor carrier safety, juvenile law, and more.
In addition to the 27-week academy training, cadets are required to participate in one-on-one mentoring with Field Training Officers as part of a 14-week field training program, expanding their total training to 41 weeks. Troopers who successfully complete the field training program advance to solo-patrol status.
The new Troopers are assigned to the following areas of the state and will immediately begin their patrol duties:
- Troop 2 LaSalle/Moline, 10 Troopers
- Troop 3 Chicago, 9 Troopers
- Troop 8 Collinsville, 1 Trooper
New troopers earn approximately $90,000 in compensation upon graduation from the Illinois State Police Academy. Anyone interested in joining the ranks of Illinois State Police is encouraged to visit the Illinois State Police Merit Board website at www.illinoistrooper.com for application information.
