The Illinois Conservation Police has achieved a significant milestone, obtaining honors from the National Association of State Boating Law Administrators (NASBLA). This recognition highlights the department's commitment to conservation law enforcement, boating safety, and protecting Illinois' natural resources, surpassing the intense NASBLA standards.

Jed Whitchurch, Director of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Law Enforcement, expressed his pride, stating, "We are honored to receive this accreditation from NASBLA. This validates our pursuit of the highest standards in law enforcement and boating safety. Our officers work tirelessly to uphold conservation laws and ensure waterway safety."

The accreditation process involved a comprehensive assessment of policies, procedures, training programs, and operational practices. NASBLA experts evaluated the department's performance against established benchmarks, demonstrating a commitment to professionalism and competence.

Dave Considine, NASBLA BOAT Program Director, congratulated the Illinois Conservation Police, stating, "We formally accredit the Illinois Conservation Police as meeting or exceeding the national standards within NASBLA's BOAT Program for maritime law enforcement officers. We were impressed with their program."

This accreditation assures Illinois residents and visitors that the Illinois Conservation Police adheres to nationally recognized standards, enhancing waterway safety and benefiting both the public and patrolling officers.