Illinois State Police Breaks Ground on New Metro East Regional Headquarters

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

October 23, 2026

EAST ST. LOUIS – The Illinois State Police (ISP), Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton, the Capitol Development Board, and several other dignitaries, broke ground on the new, state-of-the art ISP Metro East Regional Headquarters today. ​ The new Headquarters will be located at 2501 Lynch Ave. in East St. Louis and will enable ISP to be based where resources are needed most, to provide a sustained presence to increase safety for residents, and to become an anchor for economic development.

“Keeping our people safe is our foremost priority, and that means ensuring Illinois law enforcement has the resources, infrastructure, and support they need to protect our communities and combat crime,” said Governor JB Pritzker. ​ “This state-of-the-art regional headquarters will strengthen the Illinois State Police’s ability to respond to emergencies and prevent crime in the Metro East and reflects our lasting commitment to investing in public safety across the state.”

The ISP Metro East Regional Headquarters will be approximately 60,000 square feet and house ISP patrol, investigations, and 911 communications, as well as an indoor training facility that includes an interactive simulator. ​ The $55 million project is part of Rebuild Illinois, a massive $45 billion capital plan aimed at investing in state facilities, roads, bridges, railroads, universities, and early childhood centers.

“Our administration's goal has always been to make our communities the best place to live, work and raise a family—which isn't possible without investments in public safety and infrastructure,” said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. ​ “Thanks to Rebuild Illinois, the ISP East St. Louis Headquarters will equip the agency with more resources and in closer proximity to where public safety improvements are needed most.”

The main Headquarters building will be part of a complex that will also include a communication tower and generator for emergency services.

“Over the past eight years, rebuilding the Illinois State Police has meant building- sometimes literally- in places and partnerships where we can serve those most in need,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. ​ “We have built out significant safety resources, including the Public Safety Enforcement Group, a partnership between ISP and community stakeholders. ​ Our new regional headquarters will enhance crime prevention efforts in East St. Louis and surrounding communities, while also encouraging community investment that will benefit the entire region.”

In 2020, to combat the seemingly intractable problem of gun violence and ensure investigations are pursued professionally and with integrity, ISP created the Public Safety Enforcement Group (PSEG), a national urban policing model. ​ PSEG is reducing crime and building trust with the community through ISP’s combination of targeted antiviolence details, dedicated investigative resources, coordination with local law enforcement, implementation of new technology, partnerships with community organizations, and engagement in neighborhoods.

The hard work of dedicated ISP officers and special agents, coupled with the trust building efforts in the community, is decreasing crime. ​ PSEG, working with our patrol Troopers, Special Operation Groups, and other ISP specialty units, have reduced the number of homicides to the lowest level in at least 45 years¹. ​ From 2020 through 2025, homicides decreased 56% and non-fatal shootings dropped 61% in East St. Louis. ​ In 2025, for the first time ever, ISP special agents cleared 100% of those homicides in a year. ​ ​ ​ ​

“The groundbreaking of this new Illinois State Police headquarters represents more than a new building. It represents a significant investment in the future of East St. Louis and the safety of our entire Metro East community,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “By strengthening the Illinois State Police’s presence in this region, we are providing additional resources to support law enforcement, enhance public safety, and build stronger relationships with the communities they serve. I commend the dedicated men and women of the Illinois State Police for their continued commitment to protecting our residents. This investment sends a clear message that East St. Louis is a community worthy of continued investment, opportunity, and progress.”

The State of Illinois purchased the land for $1.00 from Lansdowne UP, a private non-profit organization operating since 2008. Lansdowne UP’s stated mission is to transform Lansdowne, East St. Louis, into a thriving neighborhood, ensuring the neighborhood is clean and beautiful while also providing jobs, work force development, and housing for those who call East St. Louis home.

“The Illinois Capital Development Board is proud to collaborate with the Illinois State Police to deliver projects that further the agency's mission and service to Illinois,” said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. ​ “This investment will provide the infrastructure needed to support ISP and meet the operational needs of its divisions.”

Upon completion, projected for summer 2028, ISP will move from its outdated facility in Collinsville to the new Headquarters in East St. Louis. ​

_{1 According to all available records maintained by the Illinois State Police.}

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