Lateral Entry Training Program
The Illinois State Police (ISP) is instituting a Lateral Entry Training Program that provides an opportunity for certified police officers to become Illinois State Troopers through participation in an accelerated training program.
Lateral Entry Program:
- Eligible for certified police officers to become Illinois State Troopers through an accelerated training program.
- 14-week training program, with no more than five (5) weeks on-site at the ISP Academy with a maximum of three (3) weeks consecutively.
- Cadets will not have to relocate upon graduation and District assignment.
Lateral Entry Program Eligibility
1. Must be a current certified police officer, having graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy.
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Illinois Department of Corrections experience does not apply towards Lateral Entry eligibility. However, it will apply towards retirement.
2. Must have at least two years of experience while employed as a full-time sworn police officer.
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Applicants who do not have 2 years experience at the time of the application may still be considered if they will have completed 2 years by the time the next Lateral Entry class begins.
3. Must be able to provide proof of successful completion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)/International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) approved DWI/DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training program prior to starting a Lateral Entry class.
4. Must also meet all pre-employment requirements and standards established by the ISP Merit Board and successfully complete the application process.
NOTE: Lateral Entry Cadets will receive Trooper 1 pay while in the Academy ($5,390/month, $5,603 as of 7/1/2022).
Merit Board Minimum Requirements
To be eligible for the Lateral Program, applicants must meet the following requirements at the time of application submission:
- Applicant must be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
- An applicant twenty (20) years of age may apply if they have successfully completed an associate’s degree or 60 credit hours at an accredited college or university.
- Applicant cannot have been convicted of a felony.
- Applicant must be a citizen of the United States.
- Applicant must possess a valid driver’s license at the time of completing the application.
- Applicant must be willing to accept an assignment anywhere in the State.
- Applicant must have completed, with a C average or better, one of the following education requirements:
- Associate's degree or 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university
- No education needed if applicant meets one of the following:
- Honorably discharged AND has been awarded at least one of the qualifying medals by the United States Armed Forces. Proof must be provided on a DD-214.
- An active member of the Illinois National Guard or a reserve component of the United States Armed Forces AND have been awarded at least one of the qualifying medals as a result of honorable service during deployment on active duty. Proof must be provided on a DD-214.
- Honorably discharged AND served in a combat mission by proof of hostile fire pay or imminent danger pay during deployment on active duty. Proof must be provided on a DD-214.
- Have at least 3 years of full active and continuous military duty and received an honorable discharge before hiring. Proof must be provided on a DD-214.
- Must be a current certified police officer, having graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy.
- Must have at least two years of experience while employed as a full-time sworn police officer.
- Must be able to provide proof of successful completion of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)/International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) approved DWI/DUI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing training program prior to starting a Lateral Entry class.
Questions? Contact a Recruiter:
Illinois State Police Recruitment Section
Acting Master Sergeant December Melville
Interim Recruitment Section Manager
(309) 264-0494
Sergeant Tracy Lillard
Recruitment Section Social Media Liaison
(217) 720-2963
Sergeant Aldo Schumann
Northern Recruitment & Internship Coordinator
(312) 894-1592
Trooper Omoayena Williams
Central Recruitment & Internship Coordinator
(312) 208-6066
Sergeant Calvin Dye
Southern Recruitment & Internship Coordinator
(217) 685-4752
Trooper Josh Williams
Northern Recruitment Specialist
List of Accredited Law Enforcement Academies.pdf
Do I qualify for the Lateral Program?
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
We are accepting online applications for the position of Illinois State Police Trooper.
BEGIN APPLICATION
Note: this application is for Lateral and Non-Lateral applicants.