IllinoisStatePolice @ILStatePolice

“The reasoning for me to join Illinois State Police began approximately 4 years ago when I realized my worth. Being raised in a 3rd world country, without parents and not knowing where the next meal was going to come from was a struggle on its own. I was not aware of my surroundings then, but when I won the lottery and was uplifted to live in the greatest country in the world changed my whole life. Some paths that I’ve been on have been a learning journey and the Illinois State Police have been a positive path for my growth. As a part of this team, I’m able to help people in need, create safe communities, build trust with the public and be able to mentor younger generations. As a military service member of 16 years, I understand the value of trust, teamwork, selfless service, pride, integrity, and honor. These values are values that I live by and appreciate. I’m grateful for the opportunities that the military has given to me.” Trooper Marivon Ampier. Trooper Marivon Ampier is a Southern Recruitment Specialist (Troop 8, 9 and 10) with the Division of Academy and Training with the Illinois State Police. She has served with ISP for approximately four years. She graduated from Cadet Class 140 Traditional Class, previously she worked at Menard Correctional Facility in Chester, Illinois as a Correctional officer for 5 years and is still serving the Illinois Army National Guard for over 16 years. Trooper Ampier previously worked for the Division of Patrol in Troop 8 and has attended the Team Illinois Youth Camp for the past 2 years. Trooper Ampier was a Competitive Figure and Women’s Physique Competitor for ten years in the bodybuilding circuit. Trooper Ampier’s favorite quote is, “If you are humble nothing will touch you, neither praise nor disgrace, because you know what you are.”- Mother Teresa ISP Outreach: Expanding the Badge

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐠𝐨 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re spotlighting the Forensic Science Center at Chicago, the largest and most comprehensive laboratory within the Illinois State Police Forensic Sciences Command. Nearly 120 dedicated forensic scientists, evidence technicians, support staff and managers work together at FSC-Chicago. It is the only ISP laboratory that provides testing across all forensic disciplines, including Biology/DNA, Drug Chemistry, Firearms & Toolmarks, Footwear & Tire Tracks, Latent Prints, Toxicology and Trace Chemistry. Each year, the team completes approximately 28,000 forensic assignments for agencies across Illinois. Their work provides investigators with conclusions supported by thorough scientific examination and helps bring the power of forensic science to investigations throughout the state. During National Forensic Science Week, we recognize the dedicated professionals at FSC-Chicago and thank them for the expertise, precision and commitment they bring to their work every day. 🧪🔬#NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #Chicago #DNA #Toxicology #ForensicScience

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐝 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re heading to downtown Rockford to spotlight the dedicated team at the Illinois State Police Rockford Forensic Science Laboratory. Located on the fourth floor of the E.J. Zeke Giorgi Building, the Rockford Forensic Science Laboratory brings together four forensic science disciplines: Drug Chemistry, Biology/DNA, Firearms, and Latent Prints. Sixteen forensic scientists, two evidence technicians and four administrative staff members work together to provide forensic services to 11 counties across northern Illinois. Every day, this team applies science, expertise and attention to detail to help turn evidence into information for the communities they serve. During Forensic Science Week, we recognize the professionals at the Rockford Laboratory and thank them for their continued dedication to the mission of the Illinois State Police. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #Rockford #NorthernIllinois

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We remember Trooper Donald Blickensderfer. Trooper Donald Blickensderfer was killed when his squad car collided head-on with another car on U.S. 36, one mile west of Pierson Station, in Piatt County. The accident occurred just before 11:00 p.m. The driver and passenger of the other car involved also died in the accident. Trooper Donald Blickensderfer, a Navy veteran who served in the Korean War, joined the Illinois State Police on February 24th, 1963. He was originally assigned to District 15, Oak Brook and transferred to District 10, Pesotum in August of 1966. Trooper Blickensderfer is survived by his wife, two daughters, parents, brother, and sister. End of Watch, September 26, 1970 #NeverForget

🚛 𝐒𝐞𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐝 𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐛𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐛𝐥𝐚𝐝𝐞 𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭? 𝐒𝐥𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐠𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐢𝐭 𝐬𝐩𝐚𝐜𝐞. These loads need extra room to turn, merge, and maneuver safely. Watch for escort vehicles, pass only when it's safe, and be patient. A little extra space goes a long way in keeping everyone safe. #ILStatePolice #DriveSafe #ShareTheRoad

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐞𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐮𝐫 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re highlighting the newest of the seven operational laboratories within the Illinois State Police Forensic Sciences Command, the Decatur Forensic Science Laboratory (DFSL). Designed as a high-throughput, streamlined DNA-only laboratory, the 12,200-square-foot facility was built to support property crime analysis. Construction began in March 2020, and the laboratory was occupied on August 1, 2022. The state-of-the-art facility achieved ANAB Accreditation to ISO 17025 and FBI Quality Assurance Standards following an assessment in March 2023. Today, the Decatur Laboratory is staffed by seven DNA analysts, two evidence technicians, an administrative assistant and a maintenance worker, all working together to support efficient and reliable DNA analysis. During Forensic Science Week, we recognize the dedicated professionals at the Decatur Laboratory and their commitment to advancing forensic science and serving communities across Illinois. 🧬🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #DNA #Decatur

🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐨𝐧 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re highlighting the dedicated team at the Illinois State Police Morton Forensic Science Laboratory. Staffed by 17 forensic scientists, evidence technicians, Crime Scene Investigators and support personnel, the Morton Laboratory provides essential forensic services to law enforcement agencies across a 20-county region in central Illinois. The team’s work includes Seized Drug Analysis, Firearms and Toolmarks, Latent Print examinations, and preparatory work for Biology/DNA cases. The Morton Laboratory is also committed to building strong professional relationships with its law enforcement partners and supporting the next generation of forensic professionals through the Illinois State Police Internship Program and recruitment presentations at local schools. During Forensic Science Week, we recognize and appreciate the expertise, dedication and professionalism of the Morton team. Their work plays an important role in supporting the mission of the Illinois State Police and the communities we serve. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #Morton #CentralIllinois

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𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐂𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐅𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – As Governor JB Pritzker proclaims September 20-26, 2026 as Forensic Science Week in Illinois, the Illinois State Police (ISP) is honoring the dedicated professionals who collect, examine, and interpret evidence needed to solve crimes and bring justice to communities. “During Forensic Science Week, we recognize the scientists and staff whose dedication to training, research, and innovation helps strengthen forensic science,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “These hidden heroes are rarely seen, but their efforts are a vital part of a criminal investigation. Without them, we simply wouldn’t be able to solve as many crimes and bring justice to the people of Illinois.” Read full news release: prez.ly/V8Pd

We remember Trooper Leo Burakowski. Trooper Leo Burakowski was killed in an automobile accident while patrolling the Illinois Tollway near Libertyville. His patrol car left the roadway and struck a guard rail which impaled the car for its entire length. Trooper Burakowski was thrown from the wreckage and received fatal injuries. Trooper Burakowski had served with the Illinois State Police for one year and was assigned to District 15. He had previously served as a U.S. Air Force military policeman and was a WWII veteran. Trooper Burakowski was survived by his wife. End of Watch, September 24, 1958 #NeverForget

🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐟𝐢𝐞𝐥𝐝 Nearly 60 remarkable people power the Illinois State Police Springfield Forensic Science Laboratory. Forensic scientists, evidence technicians, clerical staff and managers work together every day to support nearly 300 law enforcement agencies and the countless investigators who rely on their expertise. From Drug Chemistry and Toxicology to Latent Prints, Firearms, DNA/Biology and DNA Indexing, the Springfield team handles thousands of cases and examinations each year. They continually adapt to new challenges, embrace emerging technology and apply science to some of the most complex and sensitive investigations. Their work includes using NIBIN to help connect violent crimes, recovering DNA from fired cartridge casings, applying robotics and advanced scientific tools to DNA analysis, and processing nearly 30,000 convicted offender samples each year for the DNA Indexing program. Behind every case are people who work through rush requests, priority cases, high-profile investigations and long hours with persistence, precision and genuine care for the communities they serve. During National Forensic Science Week, we celebrate the Springfield Laboratory team and recognize their expertise, dedication and commitment to serving the people of Illinois with integrity and heart. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #Springfield #DNA #Toxicology #Firearms #LatentPrints

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐓𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠 & 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 Behind every forensic analysis is a scientist who has been trained to apply science with precision, integrity and care. The Illinois State Police Training and Applications Laboratory plays an important role in preparing those scientists and supporting their continued growth. The Training and Applications Laboratory includes the Statewide Training Program and the Research and Development (R&D) Laboratory, with staff located at the R&D Laboratory in Springfield and the Forensic Science Center in Chicago. From providing world-class training to newly hired forensic scientist trainees to delivering in-service training for experienced scientists, the team supports professional development throughout an examiner’s career. Their Research and Development work also helps advance forensic science by assisting operational scientists with new techniques, internal validation studies, research reports, and the development and updating of procedures. This National Forensic Science Week, we recognize the scientists and staff whose dedication to training, research and innovation helps strengthen forensic science across the Illinois State Police. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #ForensicTraining #ResearchAndDevelopment

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐫𝐨-𝐄𝐚𝐬𝐭 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re shining a spotlight on the dedicated team at the Illinois State Police Metro-East Forensic Science Laboratory. Located just 14 miles east of the St. Louis metropolitan area, the Metro-East Laboratory is home to more than 40 forensic scientists, evidence technicians, Crime Scene Investigators and support staff. Serving more than 32 counties across Southern Illinois, the team provides critical forensic services in Seized Drug Analysis, Forensic Biology/DNA, Firearms and Toolmarks, Footwear and Tire Tracks, and Latent Print examination. The lab’s impact extends beyond casework. Metro-East staff mentor students in Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Forensic Science Graduate Program, assist with mock trials at SIU’s Simmons School of Law, participate in STEM outreach through the St. Louis American NIE STEM Youth Camp, and host undergraduate interns throughout the year. During Forensic Science Week, we recognize the expertise, dedication and collaborative spirit of the Metro-East team. Their commitment to accurate, complete and timely forensic analysis helps serve communities across Southern Illinois every day. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #MetroEast #SouthernIllinois

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“I joined the Army to protect my family and country, continuing that mission with the Illinois State Police felt natural. The motto I learned as a young paratrooper in the 82nd is “all the way”, we’ll always step up to stand between those who would do our country harm and never quit. I found a kindred spirit with the Illinois State Police; my brother and sister Troopers will rush in when others rush out. Service runs in my family: both of my grandfathers served in WWII, and my father was an Illinois State Trooper. Today, I carry forward those values, using the skills I gained in the Army to serve the citizens of Illinois.” Trooper David Jacobs. Tpr. Jacobs began his service in 1997 with the U.S. Army, serving in the 82nd Airborne Division as a Heavy Equipment Operator. After transferring to the U.S. Army Reserve, he completed a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Western Illinois University in 2006 and commissioned as an Engineer Officer through the WIU ROTC program. He deployed three times with missions in Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Syria, Jordan, and the UAE, and retired from the Army in 2025 as a Major with 28 years of service. Tpr. Jacobs joined the Colorado Springs Police Department in 2011 serving in the Sandhills district before returning home and attending the Illinois State Police Academy in 2013. He has served in District 7 Patrol, District 20 Patrol, Traffic Crash Reconstruction Unit and now works in Recruitment. ISP Outreach: Expanding the Badge

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🔬 𝐍𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐒𝐜𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤: 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐨𝐧 𝐉𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐞𝐭 This National Forensic Science Week, we’re highlighting the dedicated scientists behind the science at the Illinois State Police Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory. With upgraded facilities and advanced capabilities in Drug Chemistry, Firearms, Footwear/Tire Tracks, Biology/DNA, and Latent Prints, our team turns evidence into answers, supporting more than 200 agencies across the region and helping advance justice and public safety throughout Illinois. In 2026, the Joliet lab is proud to celebrate more than 60 years of forensic excellence. That legacy is built on the expertise, dedication and service of our forensic scientists and staff, along with the strong partnerships that make this work possible. Thank you to the Joliet Forensic Science Laboratory team and all of our partners for your continued commitment to serving and protecting Illinois. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #ForensicScience #IllinoisStatePolice #ISP #ForensicScientists #Joliet

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𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐞𝐬 𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐏𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞𝐫 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐖𝐞𝐞𝐤 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – The Illinois State Police (ISP) reminds parents and caregivers that properly securing children in the appropriate car seat, booster seat, or seat belt is one of the most important steps they can take to protect a child in a vehicle. Illinois recognizes the week of September 21-27, 2026 as Child Passenger Safety Week. Read full news release: prez.ly/9jPd

We remember Trooper Warren Allen. Trooper Warren Allen was killed in an automobile accident when his squad car ran off the roadway on Illinois 17 East in Kankakee County and crashed into a large utility pole. The accident occurred shortly after 1:00 a.m., about a half mile west of Trooper Allen's home. Illinois State Police who investigated the accident said they are uncertain as to what happened. One theory offered is that Trooper Allen's eastbound car was forced off the highway by a westbound car that left the scene of the accident. Trooper Warren Allen joined the Illinois State Police on June 27, 1959; He was assigned to District 6 in Ashkum. His wife, son and daughter survive. End of Watch, September 21, 1967 #NeverForget

National Forensic Science Week, celebrated September 20–26, 2026, recognizes the contributions of forensic science to the criminal justice system. We want to take the opportunity to celebrate our forensic professionals for all their hard work! There are approximately 300 forensic scientists working in ISP forensic laboratories across the state and ISP operates one of the largest forensic laboratory systems in the world. Throughout the week, we’ll spotlight each laboratory and the people behind the science. Join us as we celebrate their expertise, dedication and service to Illinois. 🧪🔬 #NationalForensicScienceWeek #IllinoisStatePolice #ILStatePolice #ForensicScience

Today is National Thank a Police Officer Day 👮‍♂️👮 The ISP is proud to recognize the men and women who serve to protect the citizens of Illinois. #ThankYou #ISP #ThankAPoliceOfficerDay

𝐈𝐥𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐨𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐬 𝐀𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐒𝐚𝐟𝐞𝐭𝐲 𝐀𝐥𝐨𝐧𝐠 𝐑𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐰𝐚𝐲𝐬 𝐃𝐮𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐚𝐥𝐥 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐯𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐍𝐆𝐅𝐈𝐄𝐋𝐃 – The Illinois State Police (ISP) reminds motorists and farmers about traffic safety on Illinois roadways this harvest season. Agriculture is one of the leading industries in Illinois and farmers across the state will be moving equipment along roadways throughout the upcoming months. As farmers travel between fields, sharing the road safely and being vigilant about your surroundings can help prevent crashes involving tractors and other farm equipment. Read full news release: prez.ly/6jPd

#HappeningAtISP: 🏅 We Received 2025 U.S. Interdiction Coordinator Award in Washington DC Participated In 9/11 Memorial Stair Climbs 🚨 Made Arrests and Seized Drugs Statewide 🚔Completed Final Round of Assembly Inspections and more.