North Egypt News

There's a need for more state troopers in the state of Illinois and state Rep. Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) wants to make sure those who are interested in joining the state police know about an upcoming opportunity to apply. 

Jacobs took to social media to share a post from Illinois State Police. He included a graphic that outlined some of the benefits of becoming a state trooper which included: a starting salary of $64,680 in the first year, paid vacation and holidays, full medical coverage, 10 weeks paternal leave, a take-home cruiser, tuition reimbursement, medical/dental/vision insurance, career advancement, uniforms at no cost to the trooper and family benefits. 

"Illinois State Police are hiring. Information below if you are interested," Jacobs wrote.

The Illinois State Police is currently taking applications for two separate cadet recruitment classes, according to a tweet from Illinois State Police Recruitment. These classes are scheduled to begin on June 5 and Oct. 2. The deadline to apply for the June session is Jan. 21, while the deadline to apply for the October classes is April 1. Applications can be submitted on the Illinois State Trooper Merit Board website.

Last August, the Illinois State Police announced three other cadet classes, including one starting in March 2022 and wrapping up in September, My Radio Link reported. 

According to the Illinois State Trooper Merit Board, there is also an option for certified police officers to take an accelerated program to become a state trooper. The "Fast Track" Program is slightly less than half of the standard 28-week academy, and officers enrolled in this program get paid while going through the training. Eligible applicants for the accelerated program must be a currently certified police officer, graduate from an accredited law enforcement academy and have two years' experience as a full-time officer.