February 2, 2021 – In recognition of Black History Month, the Illinois State Police along with the Illinois Association of Black Law Enforcement Officers 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 a nonprofit organization that 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.
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 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).
