The Illinois State Police are partnering with the Decatur Police Department, McLean County Sheriff's Office, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to create the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group.

DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) - The Illinois State Police are partnering with the Decatur Police Department, McLean County Sheriff's Office, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation to create the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group. 

ITEG will work on combating human trafficking and will consist of local and state partners, focusing on helping community groups and health organizations provide trauma-informed support services to those who have been trafficked. 

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said, "Human trafficking occurs not just globally, but locally, and it is critical law enforcement at all levels works together. The Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group enables state and local law enforcement to literally work side by side, while coordinating with our federal partners, to stop this deplorable crime. By collaborating with the Howard G. Buffett Foundation, the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group will have access to cutting edge technology and the latest advancements in law enforcement resources to stop those benefiting from forced labor or sexual exploitation, and help those who have been trafficked." 

ITEG will be headquartered at the new Investigative Support Operations Center in Decatur. ISOC will also house the ISP Investigative Support Command, which combats human and narcotics trafficking and cold case death investigations. It will also provide technical support for surveillance and counter surveillance operations. 

The Howard G. Buffett Foundation is making sure special agents have the latest technology and software. 

"Our investment in the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group and the Investigative Support Operations Center here in Decatur is part of our Foundation's broader strategic initiative to combat human trafficking in America," said Howard G. Buffett, Chairman and CEO of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. "Many communities do not think human trafficking is happening where they live, but our work has shown that the more resources are dedicated to this issue, the more the crime is uncovered and disrupted. With today's investment, Illinois becomes the seventh state with a dedicated task force." 

ISOC will allow state, local, and federal partners to work together to uncover leads and bring down criminal organizations. It is also a functional human trafficking training center where undercover agents and ITEG inspectors will be able to improve their skills. 

Decatur Police Department Chief Brad Allen said, "The Decatur Police Department is proud to join forces with the Illinois State Police and the McLean County Sheriff's Office as part of the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group Task Force. This partnership enhances the ability to identify, investigate, and prosecute those who exploit others, while providing support to victims and connecting them with needed resources. Human trafficking often hides in plain sight, but through this joint effort we will take a strong stance to protect the most vulnerable." 

McLean County Sheriff Matt Lane added, "The McLean County Sheriff's Office is honored to partner with the Illinois State Police, the Decatur Police Department, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation as part of ITEG. Together, we're committed to launching an aggressive campaign combating human trafficking and protecting victims through coordinated enforcement efforts." 

ITEG will be able to investigate large scale human trafficking conspiracy cases and work to dismantle criminal organizations. Decatur Police Department forensic examiners will be a part of ITEG as well. 

ITEG evolved from the ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau created in January 2022. ISP has been conducting details every month across Illinois, including demand suppression details where those participating in human trafficking are targeted, as well as recovery operations to help and support those who have been trafficked. 

Since that time, more than 1,300 ISP officers have received human trafficking awareness training. Almost 140 officers have been trained in advance investigative techniques related to human trafficking investigations. 

Last year, the ISP Trafficking Enforcement Bureau conducted seven human trafficking demand suppression operations resulting in 31 arrests and 90 criminal charges. 

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