Illinois State Police

The Illinois State Police (ISP) is a comprehensive, multi-functional law enforcement agency established in 1922 that serves as a full-service provider of law enforcement services across all 102 counties in Illinois. As of March 2024, the agency operates with approximately 1,784 sworn officers and 1,001 civilian employees, maintaining eleven patrol troops, seven investigative zones, forensic laboratories, and 22 metropolitan enforcement groups/task forces. The ISP provides federal grant funding support primarily through the Department of Justice and Department of Homeland Security, specializing in forensic analysis services, mental health and wellness initiatives for first responders, DNA backlog reduction, Medicaid fraud investigation, violent crime reduction, and homeland security preparedness activities.

Through its federal grant award portfolio, the Illinois State Police has demonstrated substantial capacity in forensic science and criminal investigation support services. The agency has received multiple formula grants under the DNA Backlog Reduction Program (CFDA 16.741) from the Bureau of Justice Assistance, totaling over $10 million across awards from October 2021 through September 2026, focused on reducing forensic biology/DNA case backlogs by outsourcing casework to accredited laboratories, providing overtime compensation for laboratory staff, and purchasing critical forensic supplies to enable the analysis of approximately 32,000 DNA samples and 335 sexual assault cases. The ISP has also received Project Grants under the Law Enforcement Mental Health and Wellness Act (LEMHWA) for $200,000 to secure mental health professionals, conduct wellness and suicide prevention training, and implement digital wellness tools for first responders and their families. Additionally, the agency has managed grants supporting Medicaid fraud investigation and prosecution activities, multiple Port Security Grants through FEMA for financial assistance awards, and Homeland Security Preparedness funding. Sub-awardees supporting these efforts include the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority, Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security, Hoyleton Youth and Family Services, and County of Winnebago, with sub-awards directed toward community violence reduction through Project Safe Neighborhood initiatives, firearms restraining order training, sex offender registration and notification systems, national forensic science improvements, and national incident-based reporting systems.