Officer Kevin R. Bailey has made history as the first in Illinois to be certified under the state’s new military police reciprocity program. Announced by the Herrin Police Department, this initiative enables qualified U.S. military police veterans to transition into local law enforcement with fewer hurdles. Supporters say the program accelerates the hiring process while honoring the valuable experience veterans bring. For Officer Bailey, it represents both a career milestone and a testament to the skills developed during military service. Herrin officials hope this approach will help address staffing shortages and set a precedent for other departments statewide.
“It’s exciting that we could lead the way in this new hiring pipeline,” said Herrin Police Chief David Dorris. “It was a simple process, and I thank both the U.S. military and the state of Illinois for their collaboration.”
“In the military, we learned to be able to adapt to various situations. I’m able to apply that adaptability in my current role. The skills are definitely transferrable,” said Officer Bailey.
“Today’s announcement honors the commitment of our service members by opening a clear path into law enforcement careers across Illinois,” said Keith Calloway, Executive Director of the Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board. “This is about honoring their experience while meeting our state’s workforce needs in a responsible and impactful way.”
For more information on the military police reciprocity program, please go to our webpage here or email PTB.Certifications@illinois.
