SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Bill Cunningham’s measure to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain qualified deputy sheriffs has become law.
“As we face a shortage of police officers in our state, we have formed a program to help foster groups of young people into qualified public servants,” said Cunningham a Democrat who represents portions of Chicago and the Southwest Suburbs. “This will not only help address the shortage but also ensure that our future police officers are ones our communities can count on for their safety.”
Under the new law, the state will maintain the current minimum age requirement of 21 years old for county police officers, while allowing individuals to serve beginning at age 20 if they have completed two years of law enforcement studies at an accredited college or university. The measure will also allow correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers to be appointed beginning at age 18.
Furthermore, county police officers would continue to serve a probationary period of at least 12 months. Correctional officers and full-time deputy sheriffs not employed as county police officers would serve a 15-month probationary period.
“Public safety is our top priority. This isn’t a fast track to get young people into the police system,” said Cunningham. “Rather, it gives our departments the flexibility to choose candidates who are young and looking to get involved in law enforcement.”
Senate Bill 1700 was signed into law Thursday.
