Alicia Atkinson

The primary focus of this event was the announcement of the establishment of the Illinois Trafficking Enforcement Group (ITG), a partnership between the Illinois State Police (ISP), the Decatur Police Department, the Mlean County Sheriff's Office, and the Howard G. Buffett Foundation. The ITG aims to combat human trafficking, including commercial sex acts and forced labor, through coordinated investigations, demand suppression operations, and providing trauma-informed support services to victims. Director Kelly detailed ISP's existing efforts, including training for over 1300 officers and prior operations resulting in 31 arrests. Decatur Police Chief Allen emphasized the local commitment to ending trafficking, while Sheriff Lane highlighted the importance of collaboration and compassion. Mr. Howard Buffett of the Howard G. Buffett Foundation discussed the foundation's significant financial commitment to public safety and anti-human trafficking initiatives, totaling $135 million spent on anti-human trafficking work to date, and noted that the Investigative Support Operations Center will also house units for narcotics trafficking and cold case death investigations.

The meeting covered updates on Coverdell funding, noting cautious optimism despite a government shutdown slowing processes, and preparation for the upcoming Illinois legislative session starting in mid-January. A recent Illinois Supreme Court decision, People versus Smith, regarding undisclosed expert testimony was discussed. Education and outreach updates included attendance at the National Association of Forensic Science Boards (NFSB) annual meeting, where the Executive Director was elected to the NFSB Executive Committee, which is considered beneficial for engagement. The committee also discussed planning for an annual report starting in 2026. Subcommittee reports addressed planning to distribute requests for significant nonconformity reports for 2025 and completing a review of a University of Illinois Chicago report on the APO lab. The Training and Career Development subcommittee continued work on the fundamentals of forensic science video series, adding introductory videos for drug chemistry and latent prints, with firearms, toxicology, DNA, and trace disciplines in the content development phase. Additionally, the commission acknowledged the upcoming departure of a long-serving member and the transition of the chairperson role to Claire Dragovich effective January 1.

The Advisory Policy Board convened to discuss several key issues related to the Law Enforcement Agencies Data System (LEADS). Updates were provided on CJIS security policies, including the new requirement for annual security training and resources available for understanding the modernized policy. The transition to NCIC N3G (XML) was discussed, highlighting improvements to searches, algorithms, and the ability to handle compound names and offline searches. The migration to Fox Talk/OFML was reviewed, noting the advantage of accessing driver's license imaging from the Illinois Secretary of State. Modifications to the Field Notification Program (FNP) were addressed, allowing individuals entered into the LEADS FNP File to also be entered into the NCIC Violent Person File. The board also discussed the importance of entering data into the Violent Person File (VPF) and the criteria for inclusion.

This document outlines a five-year strategic plan for the modification of the 9-1-1 system by the Illinois State Police. The plan focuses on the implementation of Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-1-1) solutions, detailing aspects such as the selection of certified providers, adherence to national standards, establishment of a robust and redundant network, and the transition and integration of existing legacy systems. Key areas also include comprehensive database maintenance, stringent security measures for the IP 9-1-1 network, and financial projections. Additionally, the plan identifies communities to be served, participating public safety agencies, adjacent agencies, and involved carriers, along with a description of the test plan for the modified system.

This document outlines the 9-1-1 Modification Plan for the Proviso-Leyden 9-1-1 Authority, detailing its transition from E9-1-1 to Next Generation 9-1-1 (NG911). The plan involves utilizing AT&T as the 9-1-1 System Provider, adhering to National Emergency Number Association (NENA) standards, and leveraging AT&T's ESInet solution for a robust, redundant, and secure network architecture. Key focus areas include flexible call routing, integration of legacy systems, GIS data management, comprehensive cybersecurity measures, 24x7 monitoring, and the implementation of integrated Text-to-911 capabilities to enhance public safety communication services.