SPRINGFIELD – In 2023, the Illinois State Police’s (ISP) modernization of the Divisions of Patrol, the creation of Special Operation Groups focused on criminal interdiction, and the continued implementation of a data-focused command structure led to a decrease in interstate shootings and fatal crashes. These same enforcement strategies also yielded more arrests, as well as increases in gun and vehicle recoveries.

ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. says “Over the past several years, we have really demanded more of ourselves, making the tough decisions, executing, and empowering the most effective law enforcement tool there is – the well-trained, professional, crime-fighting trooper. Challenges remain, but we are headed in a good direction.”

2023-2022 Patrol Enforcement Data:
• Interstate/expressway shootings: In 2023, ISP saw a 32% decrease in reported interstate/expressway shootings from2022.
• Fatal Crashes: In 2023, ISP responded to 7% fewer fatal crashes on interstates than in 2022.
• Arrests: In 2023, ISP saw a 3% increase in patrol arrests from 2022 (6,543 arrests in 2023).
• Guns Recovered: In 2023, ISP patrol reported a 12% increase in guns recovered from 2022.
• Vehicles Recovered: In 2023, ISP patrol saw a 7% increase in vehicles recovered from 2022.
Additionally, ISP patrol seized more than $4.5 million in illicit criminal currency and more than
10,000 pounds of illegal drugs in 2023.

On January 1, 2023, ISP evolved from 21 patrol Districts across the state to 11 patrol Troops. Moving to Troops enabled more officers to be available to respond to calls for service 24 hours a
day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. This modernized patrol structure reflects the best practices of peer states, increased command accountability, allowed for shifts that support officer
wellness, and helped ISP put officers where they are needed most in order to reduce interstate shootings and crashes, and seize illegal drugs and guns.

ISP also established Special Operations Groups (SOGs) in 2023. Officers assigned to SOGs are focused on reducing violent crime, intercepting those trafficking in illegal guns and drugs before they reach Illinois communities, and reducing crashes on Illinois highways. The SOGs consist of
Statewide Anti-Violence Enforcement (SAVE) units, Highway Interdiction Teams (HIT), and Fatal 4 Teams.