Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced the approval of military reciprocity for service members transitioning into civilian law enforcement careers. Illinois joins 18 other states in supporting veterans and active-duty service members by recognizing military training and experience in the law enforcement certification process.
This announcement comes during Military Appreciation Month, supporting those who wish to continue to serve their communities after active duty by creating a streamlined process for individuals with military experience to pursue careers in civilian law enforcement.
“Today’s announcement honors the commitment of our service members by opening a clear path into law enforcement careers across Illinois,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This is about honoring their experience while meeting our state’s workforce needs in a responsible and impactful way.”
The new policy marks a significant change as military police were previously ineligible for certification reciprocity, requiring them to complete the full 640-hour Basic Law Enforcement Academy regardless of their extensive Department of Defense training and operational experience. Now, eligible veterans will be able to request a certification waiver just as applicants from other states and federal agencies currently can.
“This progressive approach by Illinois serves as a beacon for other states,” said Colonel Phillip Warren, Assistant Commandant, U.S. Army Military Police School. “By recognizing the training of military police, Illinois not only honors the service of our soldiers, but also addresses the pressing need for qualified law enforcement officers within the state.”
This policy is the result of months of collaboration between ILETSB, military leadership, and state partners, with the goal of easing the transition to civilian service roles and strengthening recruitment pipelines for law enforcement agencies statewide. During a critical period of staffing challenges nationwide, this change expands the state’s recruitment pool to encourage individuals with relevant experience and a history of public service to continue their careers in a leading veteran-friendly state.
“Our Illinois Army National Guard Military Police and Air National Guard Security Forces personnel spend a lot of time training and learning law enforcement techniques in our ranks. This program expands the number of military occupational specialties that can translate into civilian careers,” said Major General Rodney Boyd, the Adjutant General of the Illinois National Guard. “Illinois National Guard Soldiers and Airmen are great employees who perform well under pressure, possess great integrity, and are professional in everything they do.”
The new pathway is now active and available for eligible veterans. To become certified, applicants must meet specific requirements after being granted the waiver request, including:
• Successful completion of the Illinois Law for Police Course which includes instruction on Illinois specific law, policies, and procedures
• A two-day in-person Sexual Assault Investigation course
• A 40-hour Mandatory Firearms Course with Use of Force instruction and training
• Passing the Illinois Certification Exam
• Any additional training deemed necessary by ILETSB
Additional information and application instructions can be found at ptb.illinois.gov
- levivotedforjudy - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 11:16 am:
This just makes sense. I hope some want to come to Chicago. We have a dire shortage of police officers.
- Steve Polite - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 11:24 am:
The statement specifically mentions Military Police. I clicked on the link, and the only information available on this change was the statement from ILETSB Rich posted. The Military Police is specifically Army and Marines Law Enforcement. I was in the Navy. The Navy law enforcement is Master-At-Arms. Air Force is Security Forces, and the Coast Guard is Maritime Enforcement. Does this reciprocity include all branches or just the Army and Marines? The statement is not real clear.
- Annon'in - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 11:57 am:
Wow What a great way to wind up a work life. Is there an age limit? Time away being a Guard MP? 50 years too much? Pretty sure the ILETSB will love our app.
- Donnie Elgin - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 12:02 pm:
=Now, eligible veterans will be able to request a certification waiver just as applicants from other states and federal agencies currently can.=
This is great news; it always seemed silly to me that MPs with years of experience protecting our freedoms were not given a leg up when looking to enter the Civilian Police workforce. Bravo
- ArchPundit - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 12:06 pm:
This is a great model and seems to be well thought out. Most higher ed institutions already provide recognition of MOS training and this just extends that in law enforcement.
- Anyone Remember - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 12:29 pm:
“… it always seemed silly to me that MPs with years of experience protecting our freedoms were not given a leg up when looking to enter the Civilian Police workforce.”
One past “issue” was the difference between rights under the Constitution vs. Uniform Code of Military Justice. Here’s to hoping the “Law for Police” course is augmented, as necessary.
- West Side the Best Side - Thursday, May 8, 25 @ 9:25 pm:
When I took a class on the UCMJ the subtitle of the class was “Military Justice is to justice as military music is to music.”