State Police seized more than $4M in 2023

ISP created a Special Operation Group to decrease expressway shootings focused on a data command structure. (WJBC File Photo)

By Blake Haas 

SPRINGFIELD – Leaders from Illinois State Police are out with their 2023 criminal activity report.

In the past year, ISP seized more than 10,000 pounds of illegal drugs and $4.5 million in cash related to criminal activity.

Additionally, state troopers recorded a 32% decrease in expressway shootings, a 3% increase in patrol arrests, and a 12% increase in guns seized.

“As an agency, we’ve become more nimble and focused on data, making decisions based on where the greatest threats to public safety emerge, rather than following the same old pattern or habits,” ISP Director Brendan Kelly said.

 “Over the past several years, we have really demanded more of ourselves, making tough decisions, executing, and empowering the most effective law enforcement tool there is – the well-trained, professional, crime-fighting trooper.”

ISP created a Special Operation Group to decrease expressway shootings focused on a data command structure.

Additionally, state troopers reported a 7% increase in vehicles seized.

Blake Haas can be reached at [email protected].

Blogs

Labor Day – Expanding voting rights for all

By Mike Matejka Because of COVID, there is no Labor Day Parade this year.  It’s always a great event for our everyday workers to march proudly down the street and enjoys the festive crowd. If there had been a parade, this year’s Labor Day theme was to be “150 years of struggle: your right to vote.” …

Is federal mobilization the answer?

By Mike Matejka As President Donald Trump threatens to send federal marshals into Chicago, over the objections of Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker, recall another Illinois Governor who protested the incursion of armed federal personnel into the city.   Those federal troops, rather than calming, escalated the situation, leading to deaths and violence. Illinois poet Vachel Lindsay…

In these troubled times, to my fellow white Americans

By Mike Matejka Our nation is at a unique watershed in human relations. African-Americans have been killed too many times in the past before George Floyd, but the response to this man’s death is international and all-encompassing. I was a grade-schooler during the Civil Rights 1960s. I watched Birmingham demonstrators hosed and the Selma – Montgomery…

Workers’ Memorial Day – Remember those whose job took their life

Looking around our community, when we say employer, most will respond to State Farm, Country, or Illinois State University.   We too often forget those who are building our roads, serving our food, or our public employees. COVID-19 has made us more aware of the risk.  Going to work every day for some people means…