Illinois State Police budget calls for public safety increases, administrative decreases

SPRINGFIELD, ILL. - Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today proposed $206.7 million in General Revenue funding for the Illinois State Police (ISP) during fiscal year 2004, up from the FY03 appropriation of $194.4 million.

The proposed budget reflects a reduction of $15.5 million in administrative and operating costs, including reduced staffing levels and cuts in travel, contractual services, and equipment and electronic data processing purchases.

Highlights of the budget include $9 million to fund videotaping of confessions, $4.1 million to update the state's DNA database to include all convicted felons as required by a new state law, and $1.2 million for continued funding of STARCOM21, the statewide voice communications system. The recommended budget also includes $2 million to begin implementation of Project X, the governor's initiative to combat the illicit sale, use and distribution of methamphetamine and the drug Ecstasy.

"Although this year's budget reflects a reduction in administrative funding, the Illinois State Police will continue to address the public safety concerns of the state's citizens through aggressive patrol and investigative services," said Larry Trent, ISP director. "State Police officers will continue to respond to emergencies and to provide investigative support to federal, state and local law enforcement agencies."

The total number of sworn officers will be reduced from an authorized total of 2,040 in fiscal year 2003 to 1,948 in FY04.