SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois State Police, at the request of the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs, have been deploying officers to the country of Georgia to provide basic interviewing and interrogation, traffic crash investigation, crime scene management, and criminal investigation training to Georgian police officers. The Russian invasion of Ukraine has heightened the need for training and resources for nations in the region, including Georgia. ISP’s close coordination, including direct in-person training, will help build the vitals skills and capacity needed by local forces. Last year, ISP entered into an agreement establishing a cooperative framework to support international law enforcement, justice sector reform, and anti-crime efforts.
“In light of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, our friends in Eastern Europe are in need of our assistance,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Our state police force is one of the best in the nation—and their commitment to justice transcends borders, nations, and hemispheres.”
ISP instructors will train approximately 60 participants during a two-week period for each of the four missions in Georgia. ISP officers on the first of four missions returned from Georgia in early July after a two-week deployment.
“As one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the country, ISP is honored to be chosen by the U.S. Department of State for this project and will work to ensure justice not only at home in Illinois, but also abroad,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly.
Along with ISP instructing abroad, two Georgian Police Academy instructors will attend an upcoming recruit training class at the Illinois State Police Academy to exchange best practices and help build the capacity of the Georgian Police Academy.
Mon - Fri: 06:00 AM - 10:00 AM
