SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of Black History Month, the Illinois State Police (ISP) along with the Illinois Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers (ABLE) are joining together to raise awareness of the contributions of African-Americans in the ISP and the communities in which they serve.
On November 20, 1984, ABLE was incorporated by the State of Illinois. ABLE is as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization which strives to ensure every possible effort is being made to provide equal opportunity for all persons to engage in gainful employment within the Illinois State Police. ABLE works collectively with the department toward the implementation of effective programs to achieve parity for minority officers throughout the rank structure. Furthermore, ABLE supports the continued training, technical assistance and consideration to its members to enable them to more effectively pursue career opportunities within the department.
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In 1993, ABLE established a scholarship program in honor of Captain Robert M. Patton, the first African-American to attain the rank of captain in the department (District 15) and in the nation. Each year, ABLE offers academic scholarships to rising students who have the desire to attend a college, university, trade school, or any other accredited educational institution as a full-time student. The 2020 Captain Robert M. Patton Scholarship award recipients were Gbemisola Akintunde-Nieves (Downers Grove, IL), Angel Lee (Bolingbrook, IL), Victoria Miller (Woodridge, IL), Kemdilim Okoye (Plainfield, IL), and Deja Richardson (Hillside, IL).
There are many outstanding African-American male and female ISP troopers who have strengthened the department through their dedication and commitment to service. Standing among those who first proudly served in the ISP are Ret. Colonel JoAnn Johnson, the first African-American female to attain the high-ranking position; and Ret. Lieutenant Sheila Parker and Special Agent Pamela Grant, the first African-American female ISP troopers (Cadet Class 53). Current distinguished individuals include Colonel Timothy Tyler, who was recently appointed Chief of Police, Illinois Conservation Police making him the first African-American to attain the position; and ISP, Division of Criminal Investigation, Special Agent Robert Tate, who was awarded the 2020 Special Agent of the Year Award.
