Opposing view: We are improving enforcement

The Illinois State Police is taking wide ranging steps to improve the enforcement of gun laws in Illinois.

“While the weaknesses of our nation’s background check system remain daunting, we must take whatever steps we can, large and small, to strengthen the fabric of these systems because any improvement could be the one that makes the difference,” said Brendan F. Kelly, state police acting director. “We must increase sharing of information, the quality and value of information shared, and most importantly enforcement. Mailed letters are not enough.”

A list of individuals with revoked firearm owner’s identification cards (FOIDs) and documents they must fill out regarding the transfer of their firearms will be disseminated to state and local law enforcement and made available to law enforcement on the State Police website.

State Police are working with entities like the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority to determine if funding to law enforcement agencies and courts can be tied to substantial compliance with criminal record admission requirements.

Determinations for firearm ownership eligibility must be standardized, thorough and inspected. Potential threats can only be assessed and prioritized if law enforcement has useful context and detail. To that end, the State Police Firearms Services Bureau will increase quality assurance. It has enhanced the FOID revocation list to indicate if the permit has been returned by the holder and if that owner’s firearms have been given up. This information is critical for law enforcement.

The director is working with sheriffs, police chiefs and state attorneys to increase awareness of FOID provisions and penalties. Police training is being reviewed.

State Police will determine if individuals who may have lied on their firearm ownership permit applications should be investigated.

This is an aggressive, exhaustive effort within State Police manpower and statutory parameters.