The Illinois Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Program (ILEPP) oversees, coordinates, and assists law enforcement officers who are qualified in the procedures of venipuncture for investigatory purposes.  Law enforcement phlebotomy (LEP) must adhere to training and performance protocols set by the ILEPP State Guidelines. The purpose of LEP is to prepare selected law enforcement personnel to safely perform blood draws on impaired drivers in Illinois to reduce wait time for blood draws, improve the chain of custody of evidence, reduce costs, and produce better witnesses/testimony.

ILEPP is a selective admission program for Illinois law enforcement personnel who meet specific qualifications. This is a two-step process. The first is to apply to the program and if accepted, complete the required coursework. Those successfully completing both earn a Forensic Phlebotomy certificate from Richland Community College.

Officer Qualification for Acceptance into Law Enforcement Phlebotomy Program

  1. Meet the following requirements:
    • Be a commissioned officer who is off probation with his/her agency.
    • Have a minimum of two years of experience after basic training. Reserve time can count but must be approved by the LEPP State Coordinator.
    • Not under investigation or have pending disciplinary action.
    • Have departmental support of the officer and LEPP. (The department head’s signature on the LEPP application meets this requirement.)
  2. Individuals who do not meet one or more of the above requirements may be admitted into LEPP training on a case-by-case basis by submitting an application to the State Coordinator with a letter of recommendation and an explanation of how his/her acceptance would benefit LEPP.

Process for Applying

  1. Complete and submit the LEPP application. Click here for the ILEPP Application Form
  2. Provide current curriculum vitae documenting all impaired driver training and other training pertaining to the LEPP. This can include EMT, RN, Paramedic or other healthcare professions.
  3. Provide results from a criminal background check.

Forensic Phlebotomy Certificate

Dates for the fall semester are as follows:

  • Online portion of PHLEB 110: November 11, 2024 – December 5, 2024
  • Lab on Richland campus: December 6, 2024 – December 8, 2024
  • Clinical Course PHELB 116: December 12 – 13 & December 16-20, 2024

Those accepted into the ILEPP must successfully complete the forensic phlebotomy certificate offered by Richland Community College in Decatur, IL. This is a fast-track hybrid program that includes two courses. One consists of four weeks of online instruction and a three-day on-campus lab. The second course includes seven days of clinical experiences in healthcare facilities in Decatur.

The current cost for the two courses is $770. Officers who successfully complete both earn a certificate in Forensic Phlebotomy. Additional costs include textbook (ISBN 978-0-323-64266-8), navy blue scrubs for the lab and clinical portion, as well as the health and safety requirements listed below.

Those interested in the program should review the health and safety requirements and begin collecting documentation required. These must be met prior to beginning of the first course.

  1. Background check
  2. American Heart Association Basic Life Support CPR (formerly BLS for Healthcare Provider)
  3. 10-panel drug screen
  4. Immunizations: Click here for the Student Immunization Record Form