SPRINGFIELD—Illinois State Police (ISP) officials announce the conclusion of the agency’s multi-phase radio communications consolidation plan designed to unify technological resources and reduce ISP radio operating costs.
The final phase of the communications consolidation took place on October 3, 2016, with the consolidation of Districts 16 (Pecatonica) and 17 (LaSalle). Dispatch duties for Districts 16 and 17 have been transferred to the District 1 (Sterling) Communications Center to maximize available resources. The transfer of communications is also a fiscally responsible move which has reduced the number of telecommunication consoles requiring upgrades.
The ISP began communication consolidations in 2012 by combining several radio communication centers in Southern Illinois at District 13 (DuQuoin). The ISP’s final communications objective has consolidated 20 communications centers statewide into 6 centers located at Chicago, Springfield, Pontiac, Collinsville, DuQuoin and Sterling. The previous consolidations have proven successful and capable of handling all ISP radio traffic.
The ISP is dedicated to providing public safety to the citizens of Illinois, and the consolidation plan illustrates the Department’s commitment to fighting crime and keeping communities safe. ISP communications centers are separate from local 9-1-1 emergency centers and will not have an impact on the statewide 9-1-1 emergency consolidation. Residents are reminded that Districts 16 and 17 Headquarters remain open to serve the public.