$6.5 million in state funding is available to help law enforcement agencies recruit and retain talent

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Today, the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board (ILETSB) announced $6.5 million is available in competitive funding for the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant. This grant aims to increase the quantity and quality of police officer recruitment programs across the State while also offering incentives to support officer retention. Units of local government, public institutions of higher education, and qualified nonprofit entities may apply for this funding.

“ILETSB remains committed to supporting law enforcement agencies as they build strong, effective teams,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This grant addresses recruitment challenges and invests in retaining experienced officers who are essential to community safety, and we strongly encourage all eligible entities to apply for this funding.”

For many law enforcement agencies, the costs of developing and implementing successful recruitment and retention programs remains a challenge. To address this challenge, the Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant will offer advance payments, reimbursements, and working capital advance opportunities to support:

• Recruitment initiatives tailored to individual agency needs
• Innovative programs designed to retain experienced officers
• Community policing efforts that bolster law enforcement teams

Agencies must fulfill specific requirements outlined in the application guidelines. ILETSB encourages all eligible agencies to apply for this important funding opportunity.

Applications must be submitted by February 1, 2025. For more information or how to apply visit Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board - FY 25 ILETSB - Officer Recruitment and Retention Grant.

Agencies with questions or requiring assistance can email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

SPRINGFIELD – Advocating for environmental protections, protecting family farms, supporting working families and strengthening organized labor are major priorities for State Senator Dave Koehler, who was sworn in to his seventh term Wednesday.

“I am humbled to represent the people of the greater Peoria and Bloomington-Normal areas, and I do not take the trust and responsibility of this position lightly,” said Koehler. “I will continue to work to earn their trust and fight for the needs of the community.”

PEORIA – The City of Bloomington and Pleasure Driveway Park in Peoria both received a $600,000 Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grant to help continue its ongoing improvements to Recreation Park, thanks to strong support from State Senator Dave Koehler.

“Parks are essential for our physical and mental health, providing open space for us to connect with each other and enjoy Illinois’ natural beauty,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). “This funding will help maintain our community’s wonderful parks —bringing people together for years to come.”

For the third year in a row, Koehler supported funding for economically distressed communities, resulting in 29 underserved locations receiving $17.3 million in grants from the Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, program.

NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in announcing millions in in funding to improve health outcomes, including over $20 million in funding to an organization serving the district he represents.

“Young people deserve access to high-quality health care, including specialized services like behavioral health or psychiatry, no matter their ZIP code,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). This investment will greater health outcomes for young people in our community.”

The Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, which was established in 2021. The goals of the HTC program are to expand access to care and improve health equity, especially in underserved communities, by leveraging shared resources among collaborative partners to create locally-driven solutions.