Lateral Entry Training Program
We are currently accepting applications for the Chicago Lateral Class. The Illinois State Police (ISP) Chicago Lateral Class Program provides an opportunity for certified police officers to become Illinois State Troopers through participation in an accelerated training program. The class will train primarily in the Chicagoland area for the 11-week program, with cadets returning to their residence daily. Cadets will still be required to spend the first 3 weeks and last two weeks of training at the Illinois State Police Academy in Springfield. Upon graduation, Troopers will be assigned to Troop 3, the Chicagoland area and covering the 10 counties outlined below, and will be required to reside in one of these counties. The 10 counties of Troop 3 are: Lake, McHenry, Boone, DeKalb, Kane, Cook, DuPage, Kendall, Grundy, and Will.
Chicago Lateral Class Eligibility
1. Must be a current certified police officer, having graduated from an accredited law enforcement academy.
- Illinois Department of Corrections experience does not apply towards 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.
- 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 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 the class.
4. Must also meet all pre-employment requirements and standards established by the ISP Merit Board and successfully complete the application process.
NOTE: Cadets in this program 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 Chicago Lateral class, 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 the class.
Questions? Contact a Recruiter:
Illinois State Police Recruitment Section
List of Accredited Law Enforcement Academies.pdf
Do I qualify for the Chicago Lateral Class?
SUBMIT AN APPLICATION
We are accepting online applications for the position of Illinois State Police Trooper.
BEGIN APPLICATION
Note: this application is for Chicago Lateral Class applicants and traditional applicants.