Illinois State Police Zone 3 & FBI conduct investigation at Hammel Woods Forest Preserve

Law enforcement officials also use investigative resources for training purposes

[November 12, 2012]  WILL COUNTY -- Illinois State Police and the FBI confirmed Friday that an ongoing investigation into the Stacy Peterson case has concluded after a weeklong search of the Hammel Woods Forest Preserve in Shorewood.

State police investigators and FBI agents were at the scene since Nov 5. The 400-acre preserve is a vast area, and search efforts were under way using FBI investigative resources, including canines. Officials declined to confirm details of the investigation for security reasons.

"The Illinois State Police's top priority is to preserve the integrity of an investigation, and any comments or details released during the investigative process could potentially compromise our efforts," said ISP Zone 3 Commander Michael Cooke.

Law enforcement officials confirmed that no "tip" was provided and search efforts were part of the ongoing investigation of the Peterson case. Law enforcement officials also pointed to the unique opportunity to use FBI resources and for agency cross-training at the scene.

"Anytime we have the ability to work with other law enforcement and public safety agencies on specialized investigations, we take full advantage of the available resources and expertise to strengthen our techniques and strategies," Cooke added.

The Plainfield Fire Department was also on the scene and assisted with the search efforts.

Law enforcement officials have confirmed that this search has concluded and nothing was found. The Peterson investigation remains ongoing.

[Text from file received from the Illinois State Police]