Guerrero-Cuellar Welcomes New Police Officers Funded by State Budget

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – A new group of State Police officers are on the job as a result of funding supported by state Rep. Angie Guerrero-Cuellar, D-Chicago, who prioritized more officers and more resources for law enforcement in the state budget.

“During the years of repeated budget impasses, our law enforcement and their crime stopping efforts took a toll, but with smart fiscal decisions, the State Police is better positioned now more than ever to keep people safe across the state,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “These bright, talented new officers have shown they are not only the best of the best but also ready to make a difference.”

The Illinois State Police deputized nine new officers at a graduation ceremony held at the ISP academy in Springfield on Friday, with seven officers assigned to the city of Chicago beginning Sunday.

Completing a 28-week program, these officers will take cutting edge crisis response, domestic violence and de-escalation tactics to their work on roads and in communities across Illinois.

The new cadets are one of two classes prioritized by Guerrero-Cuellar in the latest state budget, which also includes over $100 million in training and resources for our first responders.

“When we prioritize funding on recruitment and training of qualified officers at all law enforcement levels, our communities will be safer,” Guerrero-Cuellar said. “These officers reflect the best that Illinois has to offer, and I am looking forward to pushing for further funding for ISP and local law enforcement priorities.”