Springfield, Illinois — State Senator Tony Munoz (D-Chicago) is sponsoring a resolution to recognize the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) as a consortium of local governments, whose interest is the protection of the citizens of Illinois in times of crisis.

“The ILEAS model of inter-governmental cooperation has successfully demonstrated that cooperation can lead to great accomplishments and better serve the interests of the citizens of Illinois,” Senator Munoz said.  “The ILEAS membership has successfully created a system of mutual aid to provide assistance when called upon by all law enforcement agencies in Illinois.”

Senate Resolution 605 recognizes the Illinois Law Enforcement Alarm System (ILEAS) as a consortium of local governments whose interest is the protection of the citizens of Illinois in times of crisis, and for its great efforts in creating a successful system of mutual aid to provide assistance when called upon by all law enforcement agencies in Illinois

The ILEAS was created in response to the September 11, 2001 attacks on the World Trade Center, it was determined that Illinois’ local law enforcement lacked a central organization that could coordinate mutual aid between law enforcement agencies in the event of natural or man-made disasters.

In addition, this group works to coordinate mutual aid between law enforcement agencies when a disaster in one jurisdiction exceeds the law enforcement capabilities of that jurisdiction.  This organization has grown to include over 900 members of the Illinois police and sheriff departments, representing nearly 99 percent of all law enforcement officers in Illinois.

“I am proud of the work the ILEAS has done to develop a national reputation for professionalism through their work in Illinois responses to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the development of special teams, whose purpose is to respond in times of need,” Senator Munoz said.