Does every active certified law enforcement officer with a last name starting with A through G have to complete their Officer Verification Form by January 30 (even if they have received a verification extension waiver or are not able to complete all mandated training by January 29)?
Yes. Every active, certified law enforcement officer with a last name starting with A through G must complete their initial Officer Verification Waiver Form by January 30 pursuant to the SAFE-T Act. The Officer Verification Form will contain these four options when you are submitting the form:
What is the difference between the extension waiver and the grace period?
The extension waiver is for those officers who have been pulled away from service due to a medical issue, deployment, or other long term absence. It is designed to be used by officers missing several mandated trainings. The grace period is for those officers who are missing some mandated trainings but can attain these over the course of three months. Any officer exploring these options should discuss the matter with their chief.
If I mark that I have not completed training because I have received a verification extension waiver or have selected the grace period, do I need to do anything after completing my mandated training?
Yes, you must resubmit the Officer Verification Form after completion of your mandated training by March 31 or July 31, as applicable.
What is the “grace period”?
Pursuant to the SAFE-T Act, ILETSB has set a “grace period” to allow officers who have not been granted a verification extension waiver and are not able to meet all mandated training requirements by January 29 to complete those training requirements and resubmit their Officer Verification Form by March 31. However, you must complete your initial Officer Verification Form by January 30 and select the grace period option.
Since I have the option for a grace period, is it still important that I attempt to complete all mandated training by January 29th?
Yes, the law requires that you complete all mandated training between January 30, 2023 and January 29, 2026 and you should make every attempt to meet this requirement. You should select the grace period only if it is not feasible for you to complete your mandated training by January 29.
If I submitted a verification extension waiver request by December 31 and have not yet heard back from ILETSB whether that has been granted, should I complete my Officer Verification Form?
No, you should wait to hear back from ILETSB on your verification extension waiver request before completing your Officer Verification Form. If it has been more than two weeks since submitting your form, please contact ILETSB to inquire on the status of your verification extension waiver request.
If my circumstances require more than six months to resolve my training deficiencies or if I will be unable to perform law-enforcement duties for an extended duration, should I still request a verification extension waiver?
Your agency should consider requesting that you be placed on inactive status rather than seeking a verification extension waiver under this Section. Modifications to the “status” options of the From E are forthcoming.
What happens if I chose not to fill out a form or if I mark that I have not completed the required training and do not intend to complete it?
Under the SAFE-T Act, ILETSB may deactivate your certification after providing you 21 days’ notice for your failure to comply, failure to report compliance, or failure to report an exemption. However, your certification may remain active if ILETSB determines you complied with all mandated requirements within this 21-day period.
I am a chief or sheriff, what are my responsibilities in relation to the verification process?
If I have any questions relating to the verification process, whom should I contact?
Please contact PTB.Verification@illinois.gov.