Illinois State Police launch online tip line for public corruption allegations

Suspect that your local public officials may be up to no good? Illinois State Police want to hear from you.

The agency's Special Investigations Unit has launched an online system for citizens to anonymously report suspected public corruption.

"By making it easier for the public to confidentially report suspected corruption, we can begin restoring the public's trust in government," state police Director Brendan F. Kelly said in an announcement of the new tool Thursday.

State police say the form should be used only for cases involving public corruption. Examples include: an elected official steering contracts to friends or in exchange for a monetary kickback; overbilling a contractor and embezzling the money; personally benefiting from federal or state-funded programs; wire fraud; and money laundering.

Having allegations reported to one place will streamline the process and allow state police to respond more quickly or determine the correct agency to handle the investigation, officials said.

Created in March 2020, the Special Investigations Unit focuses on public corruption and criminal misconduct by elected officials and government appointees at the state, county and local levels. Since it was launched, the unit has opened 82 cases, including dozens jointly with federal law enforcement agencies.

The online form can be found on the state police website, isp.illinois.gov. Click on the "Criminal Investigations" tab, and then on "Special Investigations Unit."