On June 24, 1921, the 52nd General Assembly of the State of Illinois authorized the Department of Public Works and Buildings to hire a "sufficient number of State Highway Patrol Officers to enforce the provisions of the Motor Vehicle Laws." The Illinois State Police was officially created in 1922 and today, comprised of sworn personnel and civilians totaling more than 3,000, is one of the most modern and efficient police organizations in the country.

Over the years, the Illinois State Police has continually changed in size and organizational structure to provide an increased number of services in the most efficient manner to the people of Illinois. These services are implemented by the Office of the Director through the Divisions of Operations, Forensic Services, Internal Investigation and Administration.

Since its inception, the Illinois State Police has fostered and served with a reputation for integrity, service and pride. Illinois State Police functions include protecting life and property, enforcing both criminal laws and motor vehicle safety laws, responding to emergencies and disasters and providing a myriad of diverse specialized services to both the public and the criminal justice community.

Additionally, each division within the Illinois State Police provides specific services:

• The Division of Operations' services entail: aircraft support for enforcement and public assistance; vehicle investigations; underwater search and recovery operations; K-9 support for tracking and drug detection; presentations to the public on traffic safety and crime prevention; criminal investigations to detect and suppress the traffic of illicit drugs; develop strategic and tactical criminal intelligence data; investigate serious offenses; and apprehend fugitives. Operations also provides support to many county, municipal and federal law enforcement agencies.
• The efforts of both state and municipal police officers are supplemented by the Division of Forensic Services, providing crime scene services, polygraph services, background checks requisite to the purchase of firearms and strategically located crime laboratories.
• The Division of Internal Investigation specializes in investigating alleged misconduct, corruption, conflict of interest and malfeasance within any agency under the jurisdiction of the governor.
• The Division of Administration is responsible for administrative support required by all department entities and the operation of the Illinois State Police Academy. This division centralizes the department's vast communications network, data processing, fiscal, logistical, and personnel.

• The Illinois State Police Academy provides training to cadets, in-service education to troopers and a basic curriculum to state, county and municipal agencies. The shoulder patch worn by the Illinois State Police is symbolic of the integrity, service and pride of the organization. We trust it will be displayed with dignity and honor in remembrance of the dedication of those officers who have served the citizens of Illinois.