Illinois State Police assist in providing African law enforcement with domestic and gender-based violence training

With several African nations prioritizing domestic and gender-based violence training (DGBV), four Illinois State Police troopers are now providing instruction in Accra, Ghana.

By Jane Cochran April 18, 2024 9:15 pm

Capitol City NowIllinois State PoliceISP Special Agent Mark Javier provides Domestic and Gender Based Violence investigation training in Africa

Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – With several African nations prioritizing domestic and gender-based violence training (DGBV), four Illinois State Police troopers are now providing instruction in Accra, Ghana. The troopers’ mission is part of the International Law Enforcement Academy Program, and the U.S. Department of State Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL) requested the involvement of ISP.

“As one of the best law enforcement agencies in the country, ISP is honored to be chosen again by the U.S. Department of State for this project, bringing tried and true investigative techniques with a victim-centered approach to help end the cycle of violence,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “Illinois has global ties with the potential for transnational threats and these professional connections benefit Illinois law enforcement and our partners abroad.”

In 2021, ISP entered into an agreement with INL establishing a cooperative framework to support international law enforcement, justice sector reform, and anti-crime efforts. In 2022, ISP was deployed to Budapest and taught a DGBV course and was deployed again in 2023 to the country of Georgia to provide DGBV training.