IllinoisStatePolice

The official account of the Illinois State Police. This account is NOT monitored 24/7. DO NOT use X to report a crime. For emergencies, please dial 911.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

🔒 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐈𝐍𝐅𝐎𝐑𝐌𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐈𝐒 𝐕𝐀𝐋𝐔𝐀𝐁𝐋𝐄

Your personal information can be valuable to criminals.

Think twice before sharing or posting:

• Social Security numbers
• Driver's license information
• Financial account information
• Home addresses
• Personal phone numbers
• Birth dates
• Passwords
• Photos containing sensitive information

Criminals can use pieces of information from different sources to build a profile of you. Protect your personal information the same way you protect your home, vehicle, and valuables.

𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐛𝐞𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐞.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

We remember Trooper Joseph Elliott. Trooper Elliott was killed in an automobile accident while he and another officer returned to the district headquarters in Peoria, Illinois. The officers were attempting to pass another car when the patrol car went out of control on the wet road surface. Trooper Elliott was pinned underneath the car and succumbed to his injuries several hours later.
Trooper Elliott had served with the Illinois State Police for seven months and was assigned to District 8. Trooper Elliott was survived by his wife.

End of Watch, October 20, 1933
#NeverForget

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

During School Bus Safety Week, remember:

If a school bus has flashing red lights, you must stop on:
🛑 Two-lane roads
🛑 One-way roads
🛑 Only traffic going the same direction stops on four-lane roads.
🛑Penalties start at $300 and a 3-month suspension.

Stop for kids. Save lives. ❤️

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

October is Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Sleep suffocation is the leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois — and many are preventable.

Remember the ABCs of safe sleep:
𝐀𝐋𝐎𝐍𝐄. 𝐁𝐀𝐂𝐊. 𝐂𝐑𝐈𝐁. Every nap, every night.

Keep cribs free of blankets, pillows, and toys. Adult beds, couches, swings, and car seats are not safe for sleep. More tips: https://t.co/5oKzZ9UEey

Together, we can help keep Illinois babies safe. 💙

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

𝐒𝐭𝐞𝐩 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐨 𝐚 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐋𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐬

“When I was in my early twenties, I was going to college and working evenings at a gas station. Even then, I felt a calling to do something more—something that mattered, something that helped people in moments when they needed it most. One evening, an officer stopped for gas and suggested I apply to the local police department as a 911 Telecommunicator. That small moment of encouragement changed the course of my life.

I soon applied to both the local police department and the sheriff’s department for a 911 Telecommunicator/Matron position. After interviewing with both agencies, I felt a growing excitement about the possibility of joining law enforcement and serving the community that raised me. I accepted a position with the sheriff’s department and stepped into the role of a 911 Telecommunicator at a time when the entire system was still new to our small community. It was a period of transformation—computers were just being introduced, pen and paper systems were fading, and communities were transitioning to standardized 911 addresses. Change was constant, and I loved being part of something that was evolving to better protect and serve people.

As technology grew, so did my desire to learn more, to do more, and to challenge myself. That drive led me to apply for a Telecommunicator position with the Illinois State Police. I began my ISP career in January 2000, and from the very start, I knew I had found my purpose. Through intensive training, strong mentorship, and continued professional development, I became a certified Telecommunicator and discovered just how impactful this career could be.

At ISP, technology quickly advanced Computer Aided Dispatch, statewide land mobile radio systems, touch screen operations, and more. The responsibilities grew as well. Being an ISP Telecommunicator means managing multiple emergencies at once, tracking officer locations, coordinating with countless partners, and answering both emergency and non emergency calls from the public. It is demanding work, but it is deeply meaningful. It is a career built on courage, compassion, and the unwavering commitment to help others, even on their hardest days.

Not everyone is called to this type of work, but for those who are, it becomes more than a job. It becomes a purpose, a passion, and a second family. This career also offers meaningful pathways for advancement; something reflected in my own journey. Over the years, dedication, continued learning, and a commitment to service led me to where I am today as the Deputy Director of the Division of Statewide 9 1 1. It is a reminder that the opportunities within this field are wide ranging for those who choose to pursue them.

If you have drive, strong multitasking abilities, and the desire to work in a career that brings growth, accomplishment, and community, I encourage you to explore the Illinois State Police Telecommunicator positions listed below and apply today. You will never regret the opportunities you seize, only the ones you walk away from.” - Cher Clodfelter, Division of Statewide 911 Deputy Director

Join the ISP team as a Telecommunicator and step into a career that will challenge you, shape you, and reward you in ways you never expected. It will push your limits, strengthen your skills, and bring moments of emotion, pride, and fulfillment that stay with you forever.

Most of all, it will give you the honor of saying, “I am an Illinois State Police Telecommunicator, and I am here to help you.”

Apply here: https://t.co/BIleGUQv0j

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

Please move over... For first responders, for tow trucks, for construction workers, for everyone.
Move over for 𝐄𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐘𝐎𝐍𝐄 – All vehicles, no matter what, every time.
Move over and slow down. It's not only the law, but it could also save a life.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

Stay focused behind the wheel. Distractions can wait. Your safety matters more than any call, snack, or text. #Buckleup #DontDrinkandDrive #DropItAndDrive #SlowDown #MoveOver

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

On June 2, 2026, Trooper Seth Gooch responded to a call for a possible suicidal subject on the Jefferson Barracks Bridge (I 255) over the Mississippi River in the south metro St. Louis area. As he arrived, he witnessed the subject, Miss Patti, jump before he could intervene.

Trooper Gooch immediately scanned the waters below and eventually located her drifting in the river’s strong current, more than two miles from the point where she entered the water. He radioed for assistance and drove downstream until he found individuals with a boat, who helped him locate Miss Patti. She was pulled from the water and taken to the hospital for treatment.

In the days that followed, Trooper Gooch visited Miss Patti to check on her progress and encourage her that her life is worth living. Miss Patti asked us to share her story. She is grateful to be alive and continues to recover from the effects of that day. She also sent a photo and message for us to post.

This week, Troop 8 received a special visit from Miss Patti as she personally thanked Trooper Gooch for helping save her life. We are grateful to see her smiling and proud of Trooper Gooch and all who responded for their dedication to protecting the safety and well-being of everyone in our communities.

A coordinated multi-agency effort supported this life-saving response, including:
🚨Illinois Department of Transportation Emergency Patrol Vehicle
🚨Two Good Samaritans who attempted to stop her from jumping
🚨River Diving and Salvage, who assisted Trooper Gooch on the river
🚨Columbia Police Department, who deployed a drone
🚨Columbia Fire Department rescue boat
🚨Monroe County Sheriff’s Office
🚨Mehlville Fire/EMS

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available 24/7. Please call or text 988 for support.
#ThankATrooper

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐦𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐈𝐧𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐒𝐥𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐀𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐡

𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – As one of the lead investigators of child deaths, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is recognizing October as Infant Safe Sleep Awareness Month. Tragically, sleep suffocation is the leading cause of reported child deaths in Illinois and hundreds of infants die each year because they are placed in unsafe sleeping environments. Sudden Unexpected Infant Death (SUID) affects families of all races, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds.

Read full news release: https://t.co/ZcLlxBt6cv

[Illinois State Police Recruitment @Illinoistrooper]

Our field recruiters are scheduled to be at these upcoming events! We hope to see you there! Here are some highlights for events in the second half of October 2026!

Major Hector Garcia High School Career Fair, Chicago, IL - 10-16-26
Lincoln’s Challenge Academy Class 67 Career Fair, Rantoul, IL – 10-16-26
Illini Central High School, Mason City, IL – 10-16-26
Wolf Branch School District Fall Festival, Swansea, IL – 10-16-26
Girls Gone Rx Illinois, Byron, IL – 10-17-26
Army National Guard Career Fair, Crestwood, IL – 10-18-26
Teen and Adult Job Fair, Galesburg, IL – 10-20-26
Monmouth College Career Expo, Monmouth, IL – 10-20-26
IDPH – Joliet Junior College, Joliet, IL – 10-22-26
IDES – State Hiring Presentation, Springfield, IL – 10-26-26
Joliet Central Career Fair, Joliet, IL – 10-28-26
IDES Recruitment Event at Reddick Library, Ottawa, IL – 10-29-26
Crossing Church Trunk or Treat, Macomb, IL – 10-29-26
School-wide Trick or Treat Parade, East St. Louis, IL – 10-29-26
Hamilton High School, Hamilton, IL – 10-30-26
Trunk or Treat (Faith in Blue), Sauget, IL – 10-30-26
Fairfield Community High School College and Career Fair, Fairfield, IL – 10-30-26
New Life Community Church Harvest Fest, East St. Louis, IL – 10-31-26

For more information about hiring visit https://t.co/zsTfCeeuy8.
Contact a Recruiter at [email protected].
Please Note: Events at schools, colleges, universities, and military bases are only open to those affiliated with the respective institution.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

We remember Trooper Ray Embree. Trooper Embree was killed in an automobile accident while returning to the district headquarters in Springfield. He and a Secretary of State employee were returning from Chicago after delivering documents for the Governor. For unknown reasons Trooper Embree's automobile swerved into the path of an oncoming tractor trailer on Route 66, near Towanda. Trooper Embree was transported to Normal Hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His passenger did not receive any injuries.

Trooper Embree served with the Illinois State Police for ten months and was assigned to District 9. Trooper Embree was survived by his wife and child.

End of Watch, October 15, 1936
#NeverForget

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

#HappeningAtISP:

🤖 Director Kelly Addressed Legislators During House Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, & It Committee Hearing
🚑 We Held Full-Scale, Multi-Agency Preparedness Exercise to Improve Response During an Emergency
🚓 Experienced 11th and 12th Move Over Law-Related Crashes Of 2026
🚨 Made Arrests and Seized Drugs Statewide and more.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐂𝐨𝐦𝐛𝐚𝐭𝐬 𝐕𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐣𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐟𝐭

𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – The Illinois State Police (ISP) continues to target vehicle theft, hijacking, and related violent crimes using grant funding from the Illinois Secretary of State Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council. ​ ISP was awarded a $10 million grant for the first fiscal year, another $677,000 in June 2024, and $637,500 in July 2025.

Read full news release: https://t.co/Lr39OyQ170

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

𝐓𝐰𝐨 𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐫𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐮𝐜𝐤 𝐎𝐧 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟓𝟓 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐈𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝟕𝟎

𝘐𝘚𝘗 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘤𝘦𝘴 11𝘵𝘩 𝘢𝘯𝘥 12𝘵𝘩 𝘔𝘰𝘷𝘦 𝘖𝘷𝘦𝘳 𝘓𝘢𝘸-𝘙𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘦𝘥 𝘊𝘳𝘢𝘴𝘩𝘦𝘴 𝘰𝘧 2026

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police (ISP) experienced two Move Over Law-related crashes during the past three days on Illinois interstates.
​​
​On October 8, 2026, at approximately 11:49 p.m., an ISP Trooper was stationary in a construction zone on Interstate 55 northbound near milepost 106.5, with emergency lights activated. A black Mazda traveling northbound on I-55 struck the ISP squad car. The Trooper was inside of the squad car at the time of the crash and was transported to the hospital by another Trooper as a precaution. The driver of the Mazda, 43-year-old Tiffany Sipes of Williamsville, IL, was issued citations for Scott’s Law and Driving Under the Influence.

​On October 9, 2026, at approximately 5:02 p.m., an ISP Trooper was stationary on Interstate 70 westbound near milepost 85.5, with emergency lights activated and working an active crash scene. A black Land Rover traveling westbound on I-70 sideswiped the Trooper’s squad car and struck another vehicle in the backed-up traffic. The Trooper was outside the squad car and no injuries were reported. The driver of the Land Rover, Amanda S. Thomas, 45, of Logan, IL, was issued citations for Scott’s Law, Improper Lane Usage, Leaving the Scene of a Property Damage Accident, Driving Under the Influence, and multiple other traffic offenses.

Read full news release: https://t.co/58mxE0HOvN

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

🔐 𝐏𝐑𝐎𝐓𝐄𝐂𝐓 𝐘𝐎𝐔𝐑 𝐀𝐂𝐂𝐎𝐔𝐍𝐓𝐒

Your username and password can provide access to some of your most valuable information.
Protect yourself:

• Use strong, unique passwords.
• Don't reuse passwords across important accounts.
• Never share your password.
• Use multifactor authentication whenever it's available.
• Consider using a password manager.

And remember: 𝐀 𝐥𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐝𝐞𝐬𝐤 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐨 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 𝐬𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐲𝐨𝐮.

Protect your information before someone else tries to take it.

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

Domestic violence is a crime. Anyone who hits, chokes, kicks, threatens, harasses, or interferes with the personal liberty of a family or household member is violating Illinois law. If you or someone you know needs help, call the Illinois Domestic Violence Hotline at 1‑877‑863‑6338.

For more information on domestic violence prevention and intervention, visit the Illinois Department of Human Services website:
https://t.co/sHKyq148GL

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

Today is 🌎 World Mental Health Day, a reminder that taking care of our minds matters every single day. 💚

If you're feeling stressed or overwhelmed, reaching out can make all the difference. You never have to face things alone. And don’t forget to check in on the people around you. A simple message or conversation can show someone they’re cared for. ❤️ #ILStatePolice #WorldMentalHealthDay

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

Deer activity increases during the fall, especially around 𝐝𝐚𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐮𝐬𝐤. Please stay alert and reduce your speed in areas where deer may be present.

If your vehicle hits a deer, you can contact police or file your own crash report online using ISP’s Civilian Crash Reporting System. The crash must be a 𝐬𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐞‑𝐯𝐞𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐥𝐞, 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐲‑𝐝𝐚𝐦𝐚𝐠𝐞‑𝐨𝐧𝐥𝐲 incident with no injuries, occurring on an Interstate, U.S., or Illinois Route.

Visit the ISP website and select Crash Reports under Quick Links to complete your report online.
#watchfordeer

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐇𝐨𝐥𝐝𝐬 𝐅𝐮𝐥𝐥-𝐒𝐜𝐚𝐥𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐄𝐱𝐞𝐫𝐜𝐢𝐬𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐈𝐦𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐧𝐬𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚𝐧 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐲

𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – To help protect and serve communities during emergency events, the Illinois State Police (ISP) held a full-scale preparedness training exercise at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Springfield on October 7, 2026. The ISP Special Operations Command Statewide Weapons of Mass Destruction (SWMD) Team led the exercise, which focused on improving collaboration between multiple municipal and state agencies.

Read full news release: https://t.co/lEdLJazifD

[IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice]

“The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for good men to do nothing” – Edmund Burke

Trooper Gabriel Walker served in the Army at Fort Carson, CO (4th Infantry Division) as a Cavalry Scout for 4.5 years. He was with 1-38 Infantry and later 2-1 Cavalry as a Sergeant. He stated he grew up in the early days of the Global War on Terror and was always inspired by the military members serving in that time. On September 11, 2021, he was deployed in support of Operation Inherent Resolve, where he was sent to Iraq and Syria for 9 months. After the Army, he was a Correctional Officer for the Effingham County Sheriff’s Office. He set his sights on the Illinois State Police partly due to several family members being Troopers, but also because of their professional demeanor and the strong para-military ties it has.

Trooper Walker now serves with the Illinois State Police in Troop 9. He stated he particularly enjoys Troop 9 as he gets to patrol not only where he grew up, but also all the communities around it. Trooper Walker has been with the department for about 2.5 years. He is an EVOC (Emergency Vehicle Operations Course) instructor, South Region Crowd Control Team Member, and a Field Recruiter.

Trooper Walker shared “Whenever I get the chance, I always try to reach out to members of the military and ask them what their plans are upon leaving the service. I get many different answers, but a common theme of veterans post-service is not having a purpose, especially veterans whose Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) was in a combat-related field. I can tell you that as a Trooper, you will always have a feeling of purpose. Any day on patrol could bring forth a unique challenge. On any given day, it could be you locating a missing/endangered person, a stolen vehicle, or taking an impaired driver off the roadway. I encourage all veterans who again want to utilize the skills and experiences they’ve gathered in the military to look into the Illinois State Police for a career.”

ISP Outreach: Expanding the Badge