Illinois Conservation Police

Lt. Hoftender was nominated and awarded the 2026 Women in Law Enforcement Leadership Award; in recognition of her exceptional leadership, professionalism, and measurable impact on both her district, the Northwest Zone and the communities she serves. In a short period following her promotion, she has demonstrated an outstanding ability to balance complex supervisory responsibilities, operational demands, and administrative oversight while maintaining the highest standards of accuracy, accountability, and timeliness. Lt. Hoftender leads from the front, maintaining a strong field presence while fostering a culture of trust, collaboration, and inclusion within her district and the Northwest Zone. She actively mentors her officers, enforces accountability, and consistently sets clear expectations that drive performance and professionalism. Her commitment to officer development, combined with her proactive approach to training and leadership initiatives, has strengthened operational readiness and enhanced team cohesion. Her ability to manage competing priorities, anticipate future needs, and deliver high-quality results ahead of deadlines distinguishes her as a highly effective and motivated leader. Through strong community engagement and partnership-building, she has further elevated public trust and advanced the mission of the department. Lt. Hoftender’s servant-leadership approach, initiative, and unwavering dedication have made a lasting and positive impact across her district and the Northwest Zone. She exemplifies the qualities of leadership, integrity, and excellence that this award seeks to recognize.

Contact your local CPO or report an incident on the IDNR website links below. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram

https://dnr2.illinois.gov/OLETIPHotline/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/lawenforcement/documents/districtcpophonesandemails.pdf

WE ARE HIRING! Deadline to apply 09/09/2025

Visit the link below to begin the application process for the position of CPO Trainee. When hired, CPOTs complete the 16 week basic law enforcement academy (unless currently ILETSB certified), the 16 week Conservation Police Academy, followed by field training.

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-CONSERVATION-POLICE-OFFICER-TRAINEE-IL-62702/1318011100/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMlcHZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxZGFDeG5DbmdZNEtwUUZEAR4RUV4tropopq2fj3JEpKjwlvx6YUlMhL3R-7KQG0vcuXuUWwkEx4_rtU--9A_aem_4vzMt6ywgy7u_S7BXHaU9A

To learn more about the job of a CPO, eligibility requirements, training, and benefits visit the IDNR Conservation Police website.

https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/conservationpoliceofficercareeropportunities.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawMlcHZleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFxZGFDeG5DbmdZNEtwUUZEAR4RUV4tropopq2fj3JEpKjwlvx6YUlMhL3R-7KQG0vcuXuUWwkEx4_rtU--9A_aem_4vzMt6ywgy7u_S7BXHaU9A

Contact your local CPO or report an incident on the IDNR website links below. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram

https://dnr2.illinois.gov/OLETIPHotline/
https://dnr.illinois.gov/.../districtcpophonesandemails.pdf

In March of 2025, CPO Hillis started an investigation into a Chicago resident who was reportingly selling sport fish. On 04/12/2025, CPO Kuffel located the Chicago resident operating a boat on the Illinois River in Marshall County. The individual had no fishing license and was in possession of 38 grass carp and 70 pounds of roe. The boat was rigged to shock fish illegally. Hongchun Liu was cited for unlawful use of electricity to take aquatic life and 12 other fishing violations. His iPhone, boat, trailer, fish, roe, nets, and all fishing-related equipment were seized. Forfeiture paperwork was filed through the Marshall County States Attorney’s Office.

On 7/01/2025, Hongchun Liu appeared in court in Marshall County. Hongchun plead guilty to unlawful take of aquatic life. The 1996 Basstracker. 2023 Karavan trailer, five Batteries, two power Inverters, three large Coolers, and all other equipment were awarded to the DNR. He was additionally ordered to pay a $276 fine.

The day before the guilty plea, CPO Kuffel located Liu fishing on the Illinois River in Putnam County in a new boat. Liu was cited for no fishing license, not wearing his lanyard, no Type-4 throwable, and failure to secure a child under 13 in a PFD.
On 7/31/2025, Liu plead guilty to all four Putnam County charges and was fined $1,120.

WE ARE HIRING!
Visit the link below to begin the application process for the position of CPO Trainee. When hired, CPOTs complete the 16 week basic law enforcement academy (unless currently ILETSB certified), the 16 week Conservation Police Academy, followed by field training.

https://illinois.jobs2web.com/job/Springfield-CONSERVATION-POLICE-OFFICER-TRAINEE-IL-62702/1318011100/?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVyMVleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzemZiTnl4eFphZVIzSjVHAR6_7ZlbHN08GU3Oi5vgWRQjo4fb1tOVHcWZT6PA8jdoPFfO98_EJnJeMpLc_A_aem_9jQDg2Dufgu02LDq9WiPCQ

To learn more about the job of a CPO, eligibility requirements, training, and benefits visit the IDNR Conservation Police website.

https://dnr.illinois.gov/lawenforcement/conservationpoliceofficercareeropportunities.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawMVyMdleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzemZiTnl4eFphZVIzSjVHAR70WmJrZ2CUkytVJz5MZLZroNuUGG9-5GXdRfPOqPdqpG9OGG_UAt79S6I-Kg_aem_VbMOsJGmMPMpezAwovqp7g

Contact your local CPO or report an incident on the IDNR website links below. You can follow us on Facebook and Instagram

https://dnr2.illinois.gov/OLETIPHotline/ https://dnr.illinois.gov/content/dam/soi/en/web/dnr/lawenforcement/documents/districtcpophonesandemails.pdf