Illinois State Police. Merit Board.

The State Police Merit Board was created in 1949 to formulate, adapt and activate rules, regulations and procedures concerning state highway police. Board served as regulatory body for Illinois State Highway Police, then division of Department of Public Safety. It continued in this capacity when State Police Division was transferred to newly created Department of Law Enforcement in 1971.

Among Board's responsibilities were establishment of specific criteria for hiring, promoting, disciplining and establishing rank classifications for State Police officers. All applicants had to be certified by Board before they could be appointed.

Board tested all candidates for promotion based upon ascertained merit, seniority and physical and mental examinations and created standards and qualifications for each rank classification. Final review of disciplinary actions taken by Superintendent of State Police rested with Board. No officer could be removed, demoted or suspended except by Board hearing.

From the description of Personnel folders of former State Police officers, 1949-ca. 1971. (Illinois State Archive). WorldCat record id: 37247360