By Angela Hatton
Springfield, IL – The director of the Illinois State Police says his agency plans to lay off more than 460 troopers because of the state's budget crisis. Acting Director Jonathon Monken says the state police will also close five of its 22 regional headquarters by this fall. District 19 in Southern Illinois is among those. The layoffs plus expected retirements could reduce the 2,000-trooper force by about 600 troopers. Monken says the cuts will have "significant consequences to public safety," including longer response times. But he told a Senate appropriations committee that they're necessary in light of Governor Pat Quinn's budget, which calls for state police to lose $32 million in general revenue fund appropriations.