ISP Breaks Ground On $8.9M Canine Training Facility

As Illinois State Police continues incorporating canines into more of its cases, the department, along with the state's Capital Development Board, broke ground on the new $8.9 million canine facility.

Located in Pawnee, about 30 minutes south of Springfield, the training facility consists of two new buildings. The administrative building has office space for up to 80 staff members and additional classroom areas, as well as a kennel that can house up to 20 canines. The facility also allows for both indoor and outdoor training.

WSP is serving as the architectural and engineering firm for the project, while CAD Construction is leading it as the general contractor.

"Here in Illinois, we're proud to support our State Police as they take innovative steps to reduce crime and protect the People of Illinois," Gov. JB Pritzker said in a statement. "Upgrading ISP canine training facilities ensures officers and canines alike are well-equipped to keep drugs and guns off the street, solve missing persons cases, and make our communities safer."

ISP has increased its use of canines, as well as incorporated new technology and techniques, as criminals have evolved their methods in recent years, officials said.

The department provides 10-week, full-service training courses to troopers and local law enforcement agencies. During the program, dogs learn to track human odors, allowing them to track criminals attempting to evade law enforcement and help in missing person cases.

ISP currently has 64 canine teams, and in 2025, they helped in almost 100 criminal apprehensions; 225 searches for items; more than 330 building searches for narcotics, explosives and people; almost 200 stolen vehicle recoveries; 117 firearm seizures; and the seizure of more than 3,600 pounds of illegal drugs, officials said.

"The Illinois State Police Academy provides the best training to our officers, and the new canine training complex will ensure our canine partners receive the best training as well," ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly said in a statement. ​"As our focus has expanded from traffic to trafficking, we've increased the tools in our toolbox, including the use of canines. ​ Our canine partners are integral in our work to combat crime, conduct search and rescue missions, and protect the public."