(WSIL) -- The Illinois State Police (ISP) Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) unveiled plans to reorganize and create a new investigation zone.
Under the previous plan, the state was divided into seven zones, with most of Southern Illinois falling into Zone 6 or Zone 7.
Zone 6 historically handled the most homicides of any zone in the state. Zone 7 was the largest geographic zone, covering 33 counties.
Under the new plan, Bond and Clinton counties will be removed from Zone 6, and Zone 7 will be split into two separate work units.
The new Zone 8 will cover 19 counties including much of southeastern Illinois.
- Zone 6: Calhoun, Jersey, Green, Macoupin, Montgomery, Madison, St. Clair and Monroe Counties. The headquarters will remain in Collinsville.
- Zone 7: Randolph, Washington, Jefferson, Franklin, Perry, Jackson, Williamson, Union, Johnson Pope, Alexander, Pulaski, Massac and Hardin Counties. The headquarters will remain in Du Quoin.
- Zone 8: Bond, Clinton, Marion, Fayette, Effingham, Cumberland, Clark, Jasper, Crawford, Clay Richland, Lawrence, Wayne, Edwards, Wabash, Hamilton, White, Saline and Gallatin Counties. The headquarters will be in Effingham with satellite offices in Centralia and Carmi.
ISP Director Brendan Kelly says having special agents from the Metro East work crimes in places like Hardin County didn't make sense.
"Frankly neither were getting the perfect attention that they needed. And by dividing the work up better and by organizing better, by making needs-based decisions and evidence-based decisions about manpower, we'll be able to pay attention to the concerns better than we have in rural communities," explained Kelly.
Kelly says the new realignment will lead to better working relationships with local law enforcement agencies and community members.
