Illinois State Police gifted new, high-tech command vehicle
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Illinois State Police is adding a new, state-of-the-art vehicle to its fleet, one that administrators hope will enhance public safety and improve emergency response coordination.
It's a 2025 Freightliner command vehicle, which will replace a similar vehicle that is 18 years old and outfitted with antiquated technology. The new vehicle has high-definition cameras and monitors, state-of-the-art communications technology and real-time data access. It can also function as a conference room with dual slide-outs.
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Administrators said in a news release that the vehicle will serve as a central hub for State Troopers during emergencies like natural disasters, large-scale accidents and search-and-rescue operations. ISP also plans to use it for training officers on responding to HAZMAT incidents.
'This command vehicle gives us the ability to respond faster, coordinate more effectively, and better serve our communities during critical incidents,' Director Brendan F. Kelly said. 'It's a mobile operations center that puts technology and leadership exactly where it's needed most—right on the ground at the scene of the incident.'
The vehicle will also serve a purpose beyond emergency situations. To strengthen the connection between the Illinois State Police and the public, the vehicle will also be used for community outreach programs, safety demonstrations and public events.
The Freightliner was provided to the ISP by the Office of Radiological Studies within the U.S. Department of Energy.
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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