Illinois Law Enforcement Liaisons
The Illinois Law Enforcement Liaison (LEL) Program, funded by the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) Bureau of Safety Programs and Engineering (BSPE) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), supports and partners with law enforcement agencies across the state. Our mission is to promote participation in national and state traffic safety campaigns and recognize the top traffic safety programs in the state through the annual Illinois Traffic Safety Challenge. By raising awareness and encouraging engagement in these initiatives, our ultimate goal is to support the state highway safety plan in order to reduce crashes, fatalities, and serious injuries.
Current Information and upcoming Traffic Safety Campaigns
IDOT FFY26 Mini Grant and FFY27 STEP Grant NOFO Applications Posted
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for FY26 Mini & STEP Grants has been posted by IDOT. You will notice that we have significantly changed the enforcement strategy to a High Visibility Enforcement (HVE) model to give you greater flexibility in how you conduct your enforcement. While the Campaigns will still have a targeted media message by NHTSA/IDOT, you decide what Fatal 4 traffic offenses you choose to target (impaired driving, seat belt usage, speeding and distracted driving).
Here is a link to get you to the IDOT website, where you can review the program and apply on-line. Traffic Safety Grants (illinois.gov)
Go to - Federal FY26 Grant Funding Opportunities (Mini) for agencies who do not currently have a full year grant and Federal FY27 Grant Funding Opportunities (STEP)
Review the program description, then hit the apply button to start the application process.
All state grants, of any kind, must be applied for through AmpliFund.
Free Law Enforcement Training
The National Child Passenger Safety Board is offering a Free 1 hour on-line training course called "Car Seat Basics for Law Enforcement". This course is designed for law enforcement officers who are not Child Passenger Safety Technicians. This course will equip officers with knowledge to: Take an active role in assessing car seat use, Talk to caregivers about child passenger safety and Share child passenger safety, local and national resources with caregivers - all within the context of regular duties.
Training Opportunities
2026 Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) Training Opportunity
MYU 15 is offering a DRE training class scheduled for April of 2026. There is no tuition for this training. Hotel and flight costs will be reimbursed to the agency. Please see the attached DRE training flyer regarding the specifics of this training opportunity. Interested agencies should use the quick link provided on the flyer to get additional information and link to the application. Any questions should be forwarded to DRE Coordinator Mike Pappas
How LELs Can Help Your
Agency
Click Here
IDOT/BSPE Grants
Click Here
