SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) — The Illinois State Police (ISP) is reporting interstate shootings in the state have decreased by 31%, compared to 2023. This is the third year in a row that the number of shootings on the interstate has gone down.
| 2024 | 2023 | 2022 | 2021 | |
| Shootings | 89 | 129 | 189 | 310 |
| Injury-related shootings | 17 | 37 | 75 | 133 |
The department said the use of ISP Air Ops and Automated License Plate Reader has been a game-changer in identifying and tracking those committing crimes.
“The continued dedication of resources, including personnel, license plate readers, Air Ops, K9 units, and investigations, has allowed ISP to reduce crime on interstates and make roads safer,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Although our strategies for crime reduction continue to evolve, ISP’s commitment to protecting the public remains unwavering.”
Air Ops is used by ISP to help track vehicles and individuals attempting to flee from officers. They said this also helps reduce the risk of a high-speed pursuit that can result in a fatal crash.
ISP also uses Automatic License Plate Readers (ALPRs) to apprehend individuals in real-time as the crime is being committed. Special agents with the department can also use ALPRs to identify vehicles that may been involved or a witnesses to an interstate shooting.
ISP is also reporting in 2024, through their patrol enforcement and crime reduction missions, the department saw a 7% decrease in fatal crashes, a 3% increase in illegal firearms seized and a 24% increase in vehicles recovered.
