State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings

State Police address FOID, cyber security audit findings

(The Center Square) – As his agency works to correct compliance findings by the state’s auditor general, Illinois State Police Director Brendan Kelly says Firearm Owner’s Identification Card backlogs have been eliminated and processing times have improved.

Kelly appeared before the Legislative Audit Commission and addressed findings that his department did not comply with FOID Act requirements.

Courtney Dzierwa of the Auditor General’s Office said renewal fees were deposited into the wrong fund, and ISP was late to provide notification of expiring cards in some cases.

“We recommended the department ensure notifications to FOID card holders are sent in a timely manner and ensure fees are deposited in accordance with the act,” Dzierwa said.

Kelly said the FOID system has been modernized and the backlog has been eliminated.

“The average processing time now for a new FOID card is 14 days, and that’s well below the statutory limitation,” Kelly said.

Dzierwa said the auditor’s most recent examination had 32 findings, but no new material weaknesses and an overall reduction of weaknesses.

State Sen. Laura Ellman, D-Naperville, expressed concern about an audit finding that ISP did not maintain adequate security controls over computer systems to safeguard confidential information.

“That’s a big red flag for me, so I’d like you to talk to me about what you’ve done to remediate,” Ellman said.

Kelly said ISP uses software from 35 different vendors.

“We’re pretty close to having all the vendors now meeting the requirements we expect from all of them in terms of their cyber security requirements, the agreements that they have in order to do business with the Illinois State Police,” Kelly said.

Kelly said his office has been more aggressive in training workers to not respond to phishing emails.

“It’s concerning that you see smart, intelligent people that will click on something that they shouldn’t,” Kelly said.

###

Leave a Comment





Latest News Stories

M.A.K.E.-I.T. Program Hits Capacity, Announces “Diggin’ It” Summer Theme

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary:The Litchfield School District’s M.A.K.E.-I.T. program reported a successful end to the calendar year with enrollment at full capacity and a...
food

Pana Community Hospital Hosting Interactive Protein and Heart Health Class

Article Summary: LiveWell at Pana Community Hospital will host an educational and hands-on cooking workshop focused on protein and heart health in mid-February. Protein Health Class Key Points: The class...
Litchfield Logo Graphic.4

City Approves 24-Hour Ice Vending Machine and Kayak Kiosk for Lake Lou Yaeger

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: To improve visitor amenities and operational efficiency, the Litchfield City Council approved the purchase of a self-serve ice vending machine...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.5

Emergency Funds Authorized for Middle School/High School Water Heater Replacement

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Board of Education authorized the use of Health Life Safety funds to replace a failed water heater at the...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

City Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with New State Laws

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Litchfield School District to align with new...
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Board Updates School Resource Officer Agreement to Comply with State Law

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield School Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Litchfield regarding the School Resource Officer...
snacking

Extension to Host “Smart Snacking” Class at JCH Wellness Center

Article Summary: Local Extension services are partnering with the JCH Wellness Center to host a workshop on Friday, Jan. 30, focused on healthy snacking habits and preparation. Smart Snacking Class...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.14.13 AM

Water Quality Returning to Normal Following Chlorine Maintenance

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: A representative from CMP reported that the city’s water treatment process has returned to using chloramines, resolving the temporary "chlorine...
montgomery county Graphic Logo.2

Report Warns of “Credible Risk” of Power Shortages in Ameren Territory by 2031

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Coordinating Committee reviewed a state-mandated report warning of electricity shortages starting later this decade. The shortages are driven by rapid data...
Litchfield School Logo Graphic.2

Litchfield Board Approves 2026-2027 Calendar, Opts to Hold School on Casimir Pulaski Day

Litchfield CUSD #12 Meeting | January 20, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield Community Unit School District No. 12 Board of Education on Tuesday approved a new school calendar that includes...
Montgomery County Highway Committee

Highway Department to Purchase Two Trucks for $615,000

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: Committees approved the purchase of two new Western Star tandem dump trucks for the Highway Department to replace aging vehicles. The total cost for...
Screenshot 2026-01-23 at 9.13.47 AM

Council Rejects Sale of American Legion Building, Plans Future Improvements

City of Litchfield Meeting | January 22, 2026 Article Summary: The Litchfield City Council voted unanimously against declaring the American Legion building as surplus property, effectively halting plans to sell...
Montgomery County Personnel Committee

County Advances Solar Agreement Benefiting Litchfield SCI Center

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Development and Personnel Committee recommended approval of a Community Benefits Agreement with Summit Ridge Energy. The deal includes a direct financial donation to...
Montgomery County Finance Committee

Finance Committee Recommends $30,000 for Fairgrounds Electrical Upgrades

December 2025 Committee Meeting Article Summary: The Montgomery County Finance and Budget Committee voted to recommend a $30,000 donation to the Montgomery County Fair Board to assist with critical electrical...
IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

IL Republicans call for growing tax base, not raising taxes

By Jim Talamonti | The Center SquareThe Center Square (The Center Square) – Statehouse Republicans say it is time for Illinois Democrats to focus on growing the tax base instead...