The Illinois State Police is streamlining it's recruitment program and some local community leaders have mixed feelings on how the fast-track program will impact local police departments.
The Illinois State Police has increased incentives to build up their ranks of troopers across the state.
The new Lateral Entry Training Program lets police officers with at least two year’s experience apply.
Major changes include cadets reporting to the ISP Academy for three weeks with regional training after that instead of 28 weeks and the officers will not have to relocate.
Mt. Vernon Mayor John Lewis says he feels the Mt Vernon Police Department and some of its 36 officers may take advantage of this - leaving the department shorthanded.
“Municipalities south of I-70 and possibly south of I-80 cannot compete with the salaries and benefits the state pays to be, you know, on the same level that they are in the collar counties and cook and up through there.”
Murphysboro Police Chief Jamie Ellermeyer feels his department of 17 officers won’t be affected.
“I think over a year, year and a half window with where our group is at right now, I think there's a chance we could lose, you know, one to three to that. And that's right now with our retention over the last because we haven't had anybody leave since January of 20.”
June first is the last day to apply to the ISP Merit Board.
