Illinois State Police Increase Patrol Of Chicago Expressways

CHICAGO, IL — The Illinois State Police announced a significant increase in resources on Chicago-area expressways. Starting Oct. 1, the Division of Patrol increased their presence by 157% during peak criminal activity times overnight, according to a division news release.

According to the Division, District Chicago has witnessed a total of 177 reported expressway shootings in 2021, compared to 79 at this point in 2020. As a result, the ISP is reallocating 10% of Division Patrol Troopers and Sergeants from around the state specifically to District chicago to prevent roadway violence and provide maximum staffing during high violence shifts.

ISP is also calling in additional enforcement and visible details taking place throughout Chicago area expressways. It is also continuing to install more than 100 license plate readers on Chicago area expressways.

“For over thirty years, patrol of Chicago area expressways has been a unique duty of this agency and in that time, we have not previously confronted the concentrated levels of gun violence we have faced in 2020 and 2021,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “We are a statewide agency with statewide missions and responsibilities, but we must dedicate the greatest resources to the greatest need, and right now the greatest need is here, on Chicago’s expressways.”

“I'd like to thank Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly and his team for their partnership on this matter and for prioritizing our expressways,” 19th Ward Alderman Matt O’Shea said in an email. “Moving forward we will continue to work with our law enforcement partners on any projects that will enhance the safety and security of our community.”