SPRINGFIELD, IL – Legislation co-sponsored by State Senator Maggie Crotty (D-Oak Forest) that allows veterans of the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq to utilize the training received during their combat missions overseas in place of training normally required to qualify for service with the Illinois State Police has been signed into law by Governor Pat Quinn.

Senate Bill 1587 allows the collegiate education requirements for appointment to the State Police to be awarded to veterans who have been honorably discharged from the armed forces and awarded the Afghan or Iraqi Campaign Medal. The bill does not change critical qualifications for employment with the State Police, such as graduation from the State Police Academy, psychological screening and the passing of the physical requirements.

"Our military veterans have gone through considerable educational, physical and professional training while serving overseas. This includes firearms training, riot control and hostage situations, for example," Senator Crotty said. "I believe that with the training and discipline instilled through the armed services, our returning veterans are more than eligible to protect Illinois as officers in the State Police."

Under current law, those interested in qualifying for appointment must successfully complete two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. Proponents of the bill state that the training armed forces personnel receive is on par with the training received after two years of law enforcement studies. Presently, the only accommodation made related to military service is a hiring preference for persons honorably discharged from the U.S. Armed Forces who also meet the above educational requirements.

"After spending so much time fighting for our country, it would be difficult for many service members who are returning home to their families to dedicate two additional years of their lives out of the workforce to fulfill the educational requirements currently in place for Illinois State Police," said Senator Crotty. "This legislation is about helping our troops after they return home. It is one of many pieces of legislation designed to do just that and we will continue to take care of our veterans here in Illinois."