(WAND) — In March, the Illinois State Police announced they would be raising the starting salary for new state troopers to $90,000. In the last two months, the ISP has welcomed over 40 new troopers.
Master Sergeant December Melville said that the influx of applications is caused by the increased starting salary. "We have definitely seen an increase since we launched our new starting salary earlier this year. Where we're at this year -- compared to where we were at last year -- we have well surpassed our applications."
The base pay is $84,240, and the new contract includes a uniform allowance, hazardous duty pay, increased pay for late hours, take-home squad cars, 12 weeks of parental leave, and health, dental, and vision insurance. Melville said that the new contracts make the ISP the third highest starting salary in the country.
In addition to their new contracts, ISP is also bringing back the discontinued Lateral Class Program. In the past, ISP applicants had two options for certification. If an applicant didn't have experience in law enforcement, or didn't meet the requirements for a certified officer, they could apply for a Traditional Class. For applicants who were currently sworn police interviews and met eligibility requirements, they could apply for the Fast-Track Class.
The Fast-Track class would be an expedited 12-week training period in the academy in Springfield with the caveat that applicants had to agree that they would relocate anywhere in the state. Now, the Lateral Class will replace the Fast-Track Class.
Instead of all 12 weeks of academy in Springfield, applicants can do hybrid training; half of their training will be in Springfield, and the other half in a regional training site closer to home. Additionally, the applicant does not need to relocate after graduation.
However, according to Melville, the Lateral Class will not always be an option. "If this is something that you miss the first time around, don't sleep on it. Do it now, because I can't promise that this program is going to stick around for a long time."
The ISP is currently accepting applications for the April and June 2025 Lateral Class.
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